A nurse is collecting data from a client who has osteoarthritis and reports pain and limited mobility in both knees.
Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

Prepare the client for a cesarean birth.

This is because the client has herpes simplex virus with active lesions, which can be transmitted to the newborn during vaginal delivery and cause serious complications such as neonatal herpes infection. A cesarean birth can prevent this transmission and protect the newborn’s health.

Choice A is wrong because an amnioinfusion is a procedure that involves infusing fluid into the amniotic cavity to increase the volume of amniotic fluid and reduce cord compression.

It is not indicated for a client with herpes simplex virus with active lesions.

Choice C is wrong because ampicillin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections such as herpes simplex virus.

Ampicillin will not prevent the transmission of herpes simplex virus to the newborn.

Choice D is wrong because oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and can be used to augment or induce labor.

It is not indicated for a client with herpes simplex virus with active lesions, as it can increase the risk of transmission to the newborn by prolonging the exposure to infected genital secretions.

The nurse should begin discharge planning upon the client’s admission. This is because discharge planning is a key aspect of effective care that reduces the length of stay, emergency readmissions and pressure on hospital beds. Discharge planning involves considering what support might be required by the client in the community, referring the client to these services, and liaising with these services to manage the client’s discharge.

Choice A is wrong because the nurse is not responsible for providing a written prescription for a client home care referral. This is the role of the provider or another authorised prescriber.

Choice C is wrong because a home hazard appraisal does not include an assessment of the client’s financial resources. A home hazard appraisal is an evaluation of the safety and accessibility of the client’s home environment.

Choice D is wrong because a medication reconciliation is not required 24 hours prior to the client’s discharge. A medication reconciliation is a process of comparing the medications a client is taking with those prescribed for them to avoid errors or discrepancies. A medication reconciliation should be done at every transition of care, including admission, transfer and discharge.