A nurse is caring for a client who is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. When monitoring the uterine contractions, which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A reason: This order does not require clarification, as it is an appropriate and standard order for a client who has severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause fetal distress, growth restriction, or demise. Continuous fetal monitoring can help detect and evaluate the fetal heart rate, variability, accelerations, decelerations, and contractions, and guide the management and intervention.

Choice B reason: This order requires clarification, as it is an inappropriate and contraindicated order for a client who has severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause seizures, stroke, or organ failure. Ambulation can increase the blood pressure, stimulate the labor, and worsen the condition. The client should be on bed rest, with the head of the bed elevated, and receive medications to lower the blood pressure and prevent seizures.

Choice C reason: This order does not require clarification, as it is an appropriate and standard order for a client who has severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause edema, proteinuria, or oliguria. Obtaining a daily weight can help monitor the fluid status, the severity of the edema, and the response to the treatment.

Choice D reason: This order does not require clarification, as it is an appropriate and standard order for a client who has severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause hyperreflexia, clonus, or seizures. Assessing deep tendon reflexes every hour can help evaluate the neuromuscular irritability, the risk of eclampsia, and the effect of magnesium sulfate.

Choice A reason: Orthostatic hypotension is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the client has a sudden decrease in blood volume after delivery. The nurse should instruct the client to change positions slowly and drink plenty of fluids.

Choice B reason: Urine output of 3,000 mL in 12 hr is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the client has increased renal perfusion and diuresis after delivery. The nurse should encourage the client to empty the bladder frequently and monitor the intake and output.

Choice C reason: Heart rate 160/min is an abnormal finding in the postpartum period, because it indicates tachycardia, which can be a sign of infection, dehydration, hemorrhage, or cardiac complications. The nurse should assess the client's temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, skin color, lochia, and pain level, and report any abnormal findings to the provider.

Choice D reason: Fundus palpable at the umbilicus is a normal finding in the postpartum period, because the uterus gradually involutes and descends into the pelvis after delivery. The nurse should palpate the fundus and check for firmness, position, and height. The fundus should be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after delivery, and descend about one fingerbreadth per day.