A nurse is caring for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation following an amniocentesis.

The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications?

The correct answer is choice B. Isolate the client from staff who are pregnant.

Choice A rationale: Aspirin should not be administered to children or adolescents with viral infections like rubella due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that causes liver and brain damage.

Choice B rationale: Rubella (German measles) is particularly dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus, leading to severe birth defects. Therefore, isolating the client from pregnant staff is crucial to prevent exposure.

Choice C rationale: Airborne precautions are not necessary for rubella. Rubella is transmitted through respiratory droplets, so droplet precautions, not airborne precautions, are appropriate.

Choice D rationale: Koplik spots are associated with measles (rubeola), not rubella. Therefore, monitoring for Koplik spots is not relevant for a client with rubella.

Wound dehiscence can lead to infection, bleeding, and evisceration (protrusion of internal organs through the incision). The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and cover the wound with a sterile dressing moistened with sterile saline solution.

Choice A is wrong because mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing. It does not indicate infection or dehiscence unless accompanied by other signs such as redness, warmth, pain, or purulent drainage.

Choice B is wrong because crusting of exudate on the incisional line is also a normal finding that indicates the formation of a scab.

A scab protects the wound from infection and helps it heal faster. The nurse should not remove the scab unless instructed by the provider.

Choice D is wrong because pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line is another normal finding that shows healthy granulation tissue.

Granulation tissue is new tissue that fills in the wound and helps it close. It is usually pink or red and moist.

The nurse should follow these general tips for postoperative abdominal incision care:

• Always wash your hands before and after touching your incisions.
• Inspect your incisions and wounds every day for signs your healthcare provider has told you are red flags or concerning.
• Look for any bleeding.

If the incisions start to bleed, apply direct and constant pressure to the incisions.

• Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub on your incisions.
• Try not to scratch any itchy wounds.
• You can shower starting 48 hours after your operation but no scrubbing or soaking of the abdominal wounds in a tub.
• After the initial dressing from the operating room is removed, you can leave the wound open to air unless there is drainage or you feel more comfortable with soft gauze covering the wound.
• Surgical glue (Indermil) will fall off over a period of up to 2-3 weeks.

Do not put any topical ointments or lotions on the incisions.

• Do not rub over the incisions with a washcloth or towel.
• No tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming until evaluated at your clinic appointment.