A nurse is caring for the client.

 

Exhibits

Nurses' Notes

Postpartum Day 3, 0815:

Client reports feeling unwell. Lung sounds clear but diminished in the bases. Client states breasts feel firm, heavy, and warm with moderate nipple discomfort while breastfeeding. Uterus firm at 1 cm above the umbilicus and tender to palpation. Fundus boggy but firmed with massage. Moderate amount of dark brown, foul-smelling lochia noted. Surgical incision well approximated with slight edema present; no signs of infection noted. No bowel movement since birth, hypoactive bowel sounds

Vital Signs

Postpartum Day 3, 0815:

Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F)

Heart rate 104/min

Respiratory rate 18/min

BP 108/70 mm Hg

SaO2 97% on room air

Diagnostic Results

Postpartum Day 3, 0900:

Hemoglobin 11.1 g/dL

WBC count 33,000/mm3

Rationale for Correct Choice:

• Endometritis: The client's temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F), foul-smelling lochia, and tender uterus are classic signs of this infection. The high WBC count of 33,000/mm3 further confirms the presence of a significant infection. The client's history of prolonged rupture of membranes and a cesarean section also increases the risk.
• Uterus and lochia assessment: The specific findings of a tender uterus and foul-smelling lochia are the most direct evidence of a uterine infection. The uterus is the primary site of infection in endometritis, and the lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) reflects the state of the uterine lining.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Mastitis: While the client reports firm, warm, and tender breasts, mastitis is usually unilateral and accompanied by localized redness and systemic symptoms like fever. In this case, the fever and uterine findings point more toward uterine infection.
• Pneumonia: Lung sounds are clear but diminished; there are no crackles, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath that would indicate pneumonia. The primary infection source appears obstetric, not pulmonary.
• Lung sounds (breath assessment): Diminished breath sounds alone are insufficient to diagnose pneumonia. The client’s main indicators of infection involve the uterus and lochia rather than respiratory compromise.
• Breast and nipple changes: Though mild breast tenderness is noted, these findings do not account for the systemic symptoms and uterine signs, making mastitis less likely as the primary diagnosis.

A. Putting on sterile gloves after preparing the sterile field: This is correct aseptic practice, as sterile gloves should be donned after the sterile field is prepared to maintain sterility.

B. Placing the supplies on the sterile field and leaving a 1-inch perimeter: Maintaining a 1-inch border around the sterile field is standard practice to avoid contamination. Supplies placed within the field but outside this border remain sterile.

C. Balancing the bottle on the sterile basin while pouring the liquid: Placing a bottle on a sterile field risks contaminating the field if the bottle is not sterile. This action constitutes a break in surgical aseptic technique.

D. Applying a sterile gown after applying a sterile mask: Donning a mask before the sterile gown is appropriate to prevent contamination of the sterile gown during placement. This does not break aseptic technique.