A nurse is providing care for a client who is experiencing an acute exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate?

A. Weak femoral pulses. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital narrowing of the aorta, which leads to reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, resulting in weak or absent femoral pulses—a hallmark finding of this condition.
B. Increased intracranial pressure. This is not directly associated with coarctation of the aorta. While severe hypertension can lead to neurologic symptoms, increased ICP is not a typical or early finding.
C. Upper extremity hypotension. The condition causes hypertension in the upper extremities and hypotension in the lower extremities due to the location of the narrowing. Upper extremity hypotension would be an unexpected finding.
D. Frequent nosebleeds. While nosebleeds may occur in older children or adults with uncontrolled hypertension, they are not an expected finding in infants with coarctation of the aorta.

• Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used to suppress preterm labor, which is not applicable for this postpartum client. There is no indication of uterine contractions needing suppression.
• Intravenous antibiotic: The client exhibits signs of postpartum endometritis—including fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, and a very high WBC count (33,000/mm³). These findings strongly support the need for IV antibiotics to treat the infection.
• Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This device is used for managing postpartum hemorrhage, which is not present in this case. The client’s lochia is moderate, not excessive, and her uterus is responding to massage.
• Kleihauer-Betke test: This test is used to detect fetal-to-maternal hemorrhage, particularly in Rh-negative mothers after trauma or potential placental separation. It is not relevant in the context of postpartum infection.
• Increase in daily fluid intake: The client is febrile and shows signs of systemic infection. Increased fluids support hydration, promote recovery, and help manage the effects of fever and infection, making this an appropriate supportive measure.