A client who is now a G6 P6006 is 15 minutes postpartum from a normal vaginal delivery. The newborn weighed 10 lbs 13 ounces (4595 grams) at birth.
Which of the following complications should the nurse monitor for in this client?

Choice A rationale

Applying alcohol to the lesions of atopic dermatitis is contraindicated. Alcohol is a drying agent and can further irritate and damage the already compromised skin barrier. This action would worsen the skin condition and cause pain, indicating a need for health teaching on appropriate skin care measures for atopic dermatitis.

Choice B rationale

Applying hydrocortisone cream is an appropriate treatment for atopic dermatitis. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and itching associated with the condition. It works by suppressing the immune response in the skin, which helps to alleviate the redness and irritation of the lesions.

Choice C rationale

Applying Eucerin cream, which is a moisturizer, after a bath is a beneficial practice. Moisturizers help to lock in water and restore the skin's barrier function, which is compromised in atopic dermatitis. This helps to reduce dryness, itching, and the frequency of flare-ups.

Choice D rationale

Giving a daily bath without using soap is a recommended practice. The goal is to avoid harsh soaps that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Using a non-soap cleanser or simply bathing in plain water helps to maintain skin hydration and health

Choice A rationale

Social isolation is a significant stressor for toddlers, whose developing sense of security is highly dependent on familiar caregivers. Separation from parents and limited interaction with other children can disrupt this attachment, leading to anxiety and a sense of abandonment. This emotional distress is a direct result of their cognitive stage, where they lack the capacity for abstract thought to understand temporary separation. This can cause significant emotional and developmental regression, including withdrawal and behavioral changes.

Choice B rationale

Toddlers thrive on predictable routines for their sense of safety and control. Hospitalization disrupts these established patterns, including meal times, sleep schedules, and play activities. The unpredictable nature of hospital care, such as frequent assessments and procedures, creates a feeling of chaos and loss of control. This interruption can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues as the child struggles to adapt to the new, unstructured environment.

Choice C rationale

Toddlers have a limited understanding of bodily integrity and medical procedures. They may perceive painful or invasive procedures as a threat or punishment. The fear of being hurt is a primary stressor, as they lack the cognitive ability to rationalize the necessity of medical interventions. This fear is exacerbated by the presence of unfamiliar people in scrubs and the use of medical equipment, which can seem frightening and overwhelming.

Choice D rationale

Sleep is critical for a toddler’s growth and development. Hospitalization often leads to significant sleep disturbances due to the noisy and brightly lit environment, frequent interruptions for assessments, and the underlying stress and anxiety of being in an unfamiliar place. This disruption to their normal sleep-wake cycle can result in irritability, fatigue, and difficulty coping with other stressors, hindering their physical and psychological recovery.

Choice E rationale

Self-concept disturbances are not typically a primary stressor for toddlers. Self-concept, which involves an individual's perception of their own identity and worth, is a more abstract concept that develops later in childhood. Toddlers are in a stage of developing autonomy and a sense of self separate from their parents, but their stressors are more immediate and concrete, such as separation anxiety, fear, and disruption of routines, rather than complex self-perceptions.