A nurse is providing discharge teaching about self-administration of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets to a client who has angina. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. Back pain: Back pain is not a hallmark finding of postpartum endometritis. While some discomfort may occur due to uterine involution or positioning during labor, infection of the endometrial lining typically presents with uterine tenderness rather than isolated back pain. It is more commonly associated with musculoskeletal strain or renal conditions.

B. Bradycardia: Endometritis is an infectious process, and the body’s response typically includes tachycardia rather than bradycardia due to fever and systemic inflammation. Bradycardia would be inconsistent with the expected physiological response to infection and may suggest an alternative or unrelated condition.

C. Agitation: Although severe infection or sepsis can lead to altered mental status, agitation is not a primary or early sign of postpartum endometritis. More common early findings include fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, and systemic signs of infection rather than behavioral or cognitive disturbances.

D. Chills: Chills are a classic systemic manifestation of infection and are commonly associated with postpartum endometritis. The infection of the uterine lining triggers an inflammatory response, leading to fever and chills as the body attempts to fight the invading pathogens. These findings often occur alongside uterine tenderness and foul-smelling lochia.

A. A client who is using accessory muscles to breathe: The use of accessory muscles indicates severe respiratory distress and increased work of breathing. This is a sign that the client may be experiencing impending respiratory failure, requiring immediate intervention to prevent hypoxia and potential respiratory collapse. Prompt assessment and treatment, including oxygen therapy and bronchodilator administration, are critical.

B. A client who has intermittent inspiratory and expiratory wheezes: Wheezing is a common finding in asthma and may indicate mild to moderate bronchoconstriction. While it requires monitoring and treatment, it does not necessarily indicate immediate danger unless accompanied by other signs of severe distress.

C. A client who has an oxygen saturation of 94%: An oxygen saturation of 94% is slightly below normal but generally not an emergency in an otherwise stable client. It warrants monitoring and supplemental oxygen if it declines, but it does not require immediate intervention compared with signs of severe respiratory compromise.

D. A client who has a daytime cough: A daytime cough can be a symptom of asthma or poor control but is not an indicator of acute respiratory distress. This finding is important for long-term management but does not necessitate urgent intervention.