A nurse is caring for a client who reports unrelieved episiotomy pain 8 hr following a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Increased pancreatic activity during pregnancy causing fat intolerance is not related to the cause of indigestion and heartburn. Pancreatic activity can change during pregnancy, but it does not directly impact indigestion and heartburn.

Choice B rationale:

Increased estrogen production causing more hydrochloric acid in the stomach is not the cause of indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. While hormones can influence digestion, the mechanism for indigestion and heartburn lies elsewhere.

Choice C rationale:

Pressure from the growing uterus pushing up on the stomach and intestines is a contributing factor to indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. However, it is not the primary cause. The main cause is related to the relaxation of the cardiac sphincter.

Choice D rationale:

Progesterone causes relaxation of the cardiac sphincter, which is a muscular valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When this sphincter relaxes, it can lead to acid reflux and subsequent indigestion and heartburn during pregnancy. The nurse should educate the client about this hormonal effect to help manage these symptoms effectively.

Choice A rationale:

This is the correct choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of 2 or until they reach the maximum weight and height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. This is because rear- facing seats provide better support for a baby's head, neck, and spine during a crash, reducing the risk of injury.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the retainer clip over the upper part of the baby's abdomen is incorrect and potentially dangerous. The retainer clip should be positioned at armpit level to secure the harness straps properly.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the baby in the car seat at a 90-degree angle is not necessary. The car seat should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the angle will vary based on the specific car seat model.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the shoulder harness straps in the slots an inch above the baby's shoulders is incorrect. The straps should be positioned at or below the baby's shoulders for rear-facing car seats and at or above the shoulders for forward-facing seats.