A nurse is caring for a client following a vacuum-assisted birth. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications related to vacuum-assisted birth?

The correct answer is D

Choice A Reason: While croup can be serious, an O2 saturation of 92% on room air is generally stable. This child's condition is concerning but not immediately life-threatening.

Choice B Reason: A 15-year-old adolescent who is 2 hours postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation of the left ankle and is requesting pain medication is in need of comfort measures. Postoperative pain management is important for recovery, but it is not a priority over more critical conditions.

Choice C Reason: A 3-year-old toddler with gastroenteritis, moderate dehydration, and two loose bowel movements over the past 24 hours requires rehydration and monitoring. The normal range for bowel movements varies, but two loose stools in 24 hours for a toddler with gastroenteritis is not unusual. Dehydration can become severe, so this child should be assessed soon, but it is not the most urgent case.

Choice D Reason: This child's sudden relief from pain could be a sign of a perforated appendix, a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, this child's condition is the most urgent and requires immediate assessment.

- A. Pink, frothy sputum is a characteristic finding of pulmonary edema, which is caused by fluid accumulation in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs. This impairs gas exchange and leads to hypoxia and respiratory distress.

- B. Bradycardia is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have tachycardia due to increased sympathetic stimulation and decreased cardiac output.

- C. Flushed, dry skin is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have pale, cool, and clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased perfusion.

- D. Wheezing is not a specific finding of pulmonary edema. It may indicate bronchospasm or asthma, which are different conditions that affect the airways rather than the alveoli.