A community health nurse is performing a home visit for a client and is evaluating the home environment for safety. Which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the client has a proper understanding of safety in the home?

Rationale:

A. Temperature: The client's temperature decreased from 38.6°C (101.5°F) to 37.1°C (98.9°F), indicating that the febrile response to infection has resolved. This trend supports the effectiveness of the antibiotic therapy initiated on postpartum day 3.

B. Hgb: Hemoglobin dropped from 11.1 to 10 g/dL, which may reflect continued postpartum blood loss or hemodilution. This decline does not indicate improvement and may require monitoring for worsening anemia.

C. Heart rate; Heart rate improved from 110/min to 78/min, demonstrating reduced physiologic stress and better cardiovascular stability. This aligns with the drop in temperature and suggests systemic recovery from infection.

D. Fundal height; The fundus decreased from 1 cm above the umbilicus to 4 cm below, showing normal postpartum involution. A firm, midline uterus without excessive tenderness also supports clinical improvement.

E. Lochia: Lochia changed from moderate, dark brown, and foul-smelling to a small amount of brownish-red with no odor, which suggests resolving endometrial infection. This progression is typical in healthy postpartum recovery.

F. WBC count: The WBC count normalized from 33,000/mm³ to 10,000/mm³, reflecting resolution of systemic inflammation or infection. This is consistent with decreasing temperature and improved vital signs.

Rationale:

A. Collect 4 mL/kg of blood in a 24-hr period: This volume exceeds safe limits for blood collection in small children. The guideline is not to exceed 3 mL/kg over 24 hours unless clinically necessary, as excessive draws can lead to anemia or hemodynamic instability.

B. Apply lidocaine cream 30 min prior to collecting the specimen: While lidocaine-prilocaine cream can be helpful, it typically requires at least 60 minutes to achieve adequate dermal analgesia. Applying it for only 30 minutes may not be sufficient to reduce pain effectively.

C. Ask the parents to leave the room prior to collecting the blood specimen: Parents are often a source of comfort and reassurance for preschoolers. Unless their presence is disruptive, involving them in the process can help calm the child and improve cooperation.

D. Demonstrate the use of the equipment to the child: Preschoolers benefit from age-appropriate explanations and demonstrations. Showing them the equipment reduces fear and anxiety by promoting familiarity and a sense of control in an unfamiliar situation.