A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 2 days postpartum. The client tells the nurse she cannot afford to pay for baby formula. The nurse should refer the client to which of the following members of the interprofessional team?

Explanation

C. Position the client on their left side

The symptoms of feeling dizzy, racing heart, and becoming pale while lying on their back are consistent with supine hypotensive syndrome or vena cava syndrome. This condition occurs when the pregnant uterus compresses the vena cava, reducing blood flow back to the heart and causing a drop-in blood pressure.

Positioning the client on their left side helps alleviate the pressure on the vena cava, allowing for improved blood flow and preventing further symptoms. This position optimizes blood circulation and reduces the risk of complications. The nurse should assist the client in turning onto their left side and ensure they are comfortable.

Providing the client with a glass of orange juice (option A) is not recommended as it may be helpful in cases of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, but it is not the most appropriate action in this scenario.

Instructing the client to take a brisk walk (option B) is not recommended since physical exertion can further worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of complications.

Checking the client's temperature (option D) is not necessary as the reported symptoms are not indicative of a fever or infection.

Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to position the client on their left side (option C).

The APN, also known as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced knowledge and expertise in pharmacology and medication management. They are trained to assess medication interactions, evaluate potential risks, and provide guidance to ensure safe and effective medication use.

The other members of the interdisciplinary team listed are not specifically trained to address medication interactions:

Social workers focus on addressing psychosocial aspects of care, such as emotional support, counseling, and resource coordination. While they may provide valuable assistance in various areas of the client's care, they typically do not have specialized knowledge in medication interactions.

Patient care technicians, also known as nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants, provide direct patient care under the supervision of nurses. They do not typically have the training or authority to address medication interactions.

Psychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional health concerns. While they may be involved in the client's overall care, including medication management for mental health conditions, their expertise lies primarily in psychological assessment and therapy rather than medication interactions.