A nurse is caring for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation. The nurse is assessing the client 24 hours later.

How should the nurse interpret the findings?

Choice A rationale
Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities is a common finding in the postpartum period and does not necessarily indicate a problem. It can result from the normal fluid shifts that occur after delivery.
Choice B rationale
A blood pressure reading of 136/86 mm Hg is slightly elevated and could indicate the development of postpartum hypertension, a condition that can lead to serious complications such as stroke. This finding necessitates immediate follow-up.
Choice C rationale
Lateral deviation of the uterus could indicate a full bladder, which can interfere with uterine contractions and lead to increased bleeding. This finding necessitates immediate follow-up.
Choice D rationale
Deep tendon reflexes 1+ are within normal limits and do not necessitate immediate follow-up.
Choice E rationale
A large amount of lochia rubra could indicate postpartum hemorrhage, a potentially life- threatening condition. This finding necessitates immediate follow-up.

Choice A rationale
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is administered to newborns to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, specifically for Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection prevention. If the guardian refuses the administration of erythromycin, the healthcare provider should respect the guardian’s decision and document the refusal. It’s important to note that the refusal should be informed, meaning the guardian should understand the potential risks associated with not administering the medication.
Choice B rationale
Informing the guardian that the medication can be given after discharge may not be the best course of action. The purpose of the ointment is to prevent infection immediately after birth when the risk is highest. Delaying the administration could potentially increase the risk of the newborn developing an infection.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the guardian’s refusal of the medication to social services is not the first step unless there are other concerns about the safety or well-being of the child. The healthcare provider should respect the guardian’s autonomy and their right to make informed decisions about the newborn’s care.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the facility’s ethics committee about the guardian’s medication refusal is not typically necessary unless the refusal puts the newborn at significant risk and other attempts to resolve the situation have failed. In this case, the refusal of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, while not ideal, is not likely to warrant an ethics consultation.