A nurse is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The nurse understands that the patient has likely developed

______

and will need to be monitored for

_________

.

A. Hemoglobin: Although an improvement in hemoglobin would be ideal, it may take more time to see a significant change after blood loss or transfusion. A rise in hemoglobin indicates that the body is recovering from blood loss, but it is not as immediate an indicator of improvement as other factors, such as heart rate or blood pressure stabilization.

B. Heart rate: A decrease in the heart rate toward the normal range (60-100 beats/min) indicates improvement in the client's condition. The initial heart rate of 120-128 beats/min (tachycardia) suggests the client may have been compensating for blood loss or pain. A more stable heart rate would suggest a response to treatment and improvement in their cardiovascular status.

C. Pain level: A reduction in pain score is an important indicator of recovery post-surgery. After an emergency cesarean birth, pain management is a critical aspect of recovery, and a reduction in pain intensity would suggest that the client is improving and responding well to pain management interventions.

D. Temperature: A normal temperature would suggest no infection or complications. However, temperature changes in the immediate postpartum period can be influenced by various factors (e.g., infection, hormonal changes, or recovery from surgery). It is not as immediate an indicator of recovery as heart rate or blood pressure.

E. Vaginal bleeding: A decrease in vaginal bleeding, especially after a cesarean, would indicate that bleeding is being effectively controlled and the uterus is contracting appropriately, reducing the risk of hemorrhage or complications like uterine atony.

F. Blood pressure: A return to normal blood pressure levels (e.g., closer to the pre-pregnancy baseline) would indicate that the client's circulatory status is stabilizing. The dropping blood pressure seen earlier (from 95/62 mm Hg to 85/48 mm Hg) indicated hypovolemic shock or a response to blood loss, so stabilization and an increase in blood pressure would be a positive sign.

A. Keeping a newborn on NPO (nothing by mouth) status may be required in specific situations but not generally for routine care.

B. Laxatives are not routinely administered to newborns unless medically indicated for constipation.

C. Applying heat to the abdomen is not appropriate unless ordered by a healthcare provider, especially if the infant's temperature regulation is compromised.

D. Placing the head of the bed flat can help with positioning the newborn to prevent any breathing difficulties or aspiration.