A home health nurse is caring for a client who has unilateral mastitis and is experiencing discomfort in the affected breast. Which of the following Instructions should the nurse include?

The correct answer is d. "I may develop discoloration on my cheeks from hormonal changes."

Choice a rationale:

• Statement:"I should expect to have burning when I urinate during the third trimester."
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.Burning during urination is not a normal physiological change of pregnancy.It may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI),which is a common infection during pregnancy.If a pregnant client experiences burning during urination,she should report it to her healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Choice b rationale:

• Statement:"I may have an infection if I develop a dark line in the middle of my abdomen."
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.A dark line in the middle of the abdomen,known as the linea nigra,is a normal physiological change of pregnancy.It is caused by hormonal changes that increase melanin production in the skin.The linea nigra typically appears in the second trimester and fades after delivery.

Choice c rationale:

• Statement:"I should expect my fingers and face to be swollen."
• Rationale:This statement is partially correct.Some swelling in the hands and face is common during pregnancy,especially in the third trimester.This is due to fluid retention caused by hormonal changes.However,excessive swelling,particularly in the hands and face,can be a sign of preeclampsia,a serious pregnancy complication.It's important to report any significant swelling to a healthcare provider.

Choice d rationale:

• Statement:"I may develop discoloration on my cheeks from hormonal changes."
• Rationale:This statement is correct.Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause a variety of skin changes,including melasma,which is a brownish discoloration that often appears on the cheeks,forehead,and nose.Melasma is more common in women with darker skin tones and usually fades after delivery.

Rationale:

A) Incorrect - Applying oxygen is not the priority action in the case of excessive vaginal bleeding and a boggy uterus. Oxygen therapy would be appropriate if there were signs of respiratory distress or decreased oxygen saturation, but it does not directly address the primary concern of uterine atony and bleeding.
B) Incorrect - Administering methylergonovine might be appropriate, but the priority is to address the uterine atony with fundal massage first. Fundal massage helps stimulate uterine contractions and control bleeding, which is crucial in this scenario.
C) Incorrect - Encouraging the client to empty her bladder is important, but it is not the first action to take in the case of excessive bleeding and uterine atony. Immediate intervention to control the bleeding takes precedence.
D) Correct - Initiating fundal massage is the priority action in this situation. A boggy uterus with excessive vaginal bleeding indicates uterine atony, which is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention to prevent further bleeding.
Fundal massage helps the uterus contract and control bleeding. Addressing uterine atony is critical to prevent further hemorrhage and stabilize the client's condition.