A nurse is evaluating a postpartum client for potential endometritis.
Which of the following symptoms should the nurse identify as a need for further assessment?

Choice A rationale

Explaining the procedure for an upper gastrointestinal series is important for a client diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take. The nurse’s initial focus should be on assessing the client’s condition and stabilizing vital signs.

Choice B rationale

Administering pain medication is important for a client’s comfort, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The nurse’s initial focus should be on assessing the client’s condition and stabilizing vital signs.

Choice C rationale

Assessing orthostatic blood pressure is the first action a nurse should take when caring for a client diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding. Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position) can be a sign of significant blood loss. This assessment helps determine the severity of the bleeding and guides further interventions.

Choice D rationale

Testing the client’s emesis for blood is an important part of diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal bleeding. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take. The nurse’s initial focus should be on assessing the client’s condition and stabilizing vital signs.

Choice B rationale

When a couple is found to be carriers of an autosomal-recessive disorder, one of the actions the nurse can take is to discuss options with the couple, including amniocentesis to determine if their fetus is affected. This procedure can provide definitive information about the genetic status of the fetus, allowing the couple to make informed decisions about the pregnancy.