A nurse is caring for a client who was just diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy and does not require surgery.
Which of the following medications can the nurse expect to administer?

Choice A rationale

Hyperbilirubinemia presents with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and is caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. It doesn't typically involve a high-pitched cry, increased muscle tone, or projectile vomiting.

Choice B rationale

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs in newborns exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. Symptoms include high-pitched crying, increased muscle tone, yawning, poor feeding with vomiting, and tachypnea due to drug withdrawal.

Choice C rationale

Respiratory distress syndrome is primarily characterized by breathing difficulties, including rapid, shallow breathing and a grunting sound. Symptoms do not typically include high-pitched cry or projectile vomiting.

Choice D rationale

Necrotizing enterocolitis involves severe inflammation and necrosis of the intestines. Symptoms include abdominal distension, vomiting bile, bloody stools, and apnea but not a high-pitched cry or increased muscle tone.

Choice A rationale:

A postpartum temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher may indicate an infection. Infections can occur after delivery, particularly if there was a manual extraction of the placenta, as in this case. Close monitoring and further assessment are necessary to ensure the client does not develop sepsis or other complications.

Choice B rationale:

Fundal tone should be firm and well-contracted to prevent excessive bleeding postpartum. A boggy, midline fundus suggests that the uterus is not contracting effectively, increasing the risk for postpartum hemorrhage. This requires immediate attention and intervention to ensure adequate uterine tone and control bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Lochia should be monitored for quantity, color, and the presence of clots. Heavy lochia with small clots indicates that the client may be experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, which is a significant concern. This can be related to uterine atony, retained placental fragments, or coagulopathies and warrants prompt evaluation and intervention.

Choice D rationale:

A respiratory rate of 17/min is within the normal adult range (12-20/min) and does not require follow-up. There are no signs of respiratory distress or abnormalities in this case, indicating that the client's respiratory status is stable and does not necessitate further evaluation.

Choice E rationale:

A white blood cell count of 12,000/mm³ is within the expected range for postpartum women, where normal values can be elevated due to physiological stress and inflammation from delivery. This level does not indicate infection or pathology and does not require follow-up in the context provided.

Choice F rationale:

Blood pressure of 144/92 mmHg is elevated and concerning, particularly in a postpartum client with a history of chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes. This could signal postpartum preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders, requiring careful monitoring and management to prevent complications like seizures, stroke, or organ damage.