A nurse is providing teaching to a client who will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Which of the following statements is appropriate to include in the teaching?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Intravenous antibiotic: The client is exhibiting signs of postpartum endometritis, including fever, tachycardia, a boggy and tender uterus, and foul-smelling lochia. IV antibiotics are the standard treatment to rapidly address bacterial infection and prevent systemic complications.
• Increase in daily fluid intake: Adequate hydration supports the client’s recovery by improving perfusion to the uterus, aiding in the clearance of infection, and preventing dehydration, especially if the client is febrile or breastfeeding.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This intervention is used primarily for severe postpartum hemorrhage, which is not evident in this client. Vital signs and lochia amount do not indicate ongoing hemorrhage.
• Kleihauer-Betke test: This test identifies fetal-maternal hemorrhage, which is not relevant to postpartum infection management. The client’s presentation suggests infection rather than blood loss.
• Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used to suppress preterm labor, which is not a concern for a postpartum client. The client’s symptoms are consistent with infection rather than uterine contractions needing suppression.

Rationale:

A. Case manager: A case manager coordinates overall care and resources for clients but does not provide direct interventions to improve fine motor skills affected by neuropathy.

B. Physical therapist: Physical therapy focuses on improving gross motor function, strength, balance, and mobility, rather than fine motor activities like buttoning clothes.

C. Social worker: Social workers assist with psychosocial support, community resources, and counseling, but they do not address functional limitations caused by neuropathy.

D. Occupational therapist: Occupational therapy specializes in helping clients perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and can provide adaptive techniques or devices to improve fine motor function, such as buttoning clothes, which is appropriate for this client’s needs.