A nurse is teaching a client about skin cancer prevention. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• Endometritis – This uterine infection is one of the most common postpartum complications, especially following cesarean delivery and prolonged rupture of membranes. It often presents with foul-smelling lochia, uterine tenderness, and systemic signs of infection like fever and leukocytosis. This client’s presentation, including foul-smelling lochia and a WBC of 33,000/mm³, strongly supports this diagnosis.
• Mastitis – Typically associated with localized breast pain, redness, swelling, and systemic symptoms like fever. While the client has nipple discomfort and firm breasts, these are common postpartum findings during milk let-down and do not meet the criteria for mastitis, especially without signs of inflammation or localized breast infection.
• Pulmonary embolism – A PE generally presents with sudden-onset chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, and hypoxia. This client’s oxygen saturation is normal, lung sounds are clear, and there is no respiratory distress, making PE unlikely.
• Postpartum hemorrhage – Hemorrhage would present with excessive vaginal bleeding, hypotension, tachycardia, and possibly uterine atony. This client’s uterus is firm, lochia is moderate (not heavy), and vital signs are stable, so hemorrhage is not supported by the data.
• Lochia assessment – Foul-smelling lochia is a classic indicator of uterine infection. It points to endometritis when found with other risk factors like cesarean birth, prolonged labor, and signs of systemic inflammation.
• Elevated white blood cell count – A postpartum WBC count may be mildly elevated, but a level of 33,000/mm³ suggests infection. When combined with clinical symptoms like uterine tenderness and malodorous discharge, it supports a diagnosis of endometritis.
• Firm uterus at 1 cm above umbilicus – This finding is expected on postpartum day 3 and indicates normal uterine involution. A firm uterus rules out uterine atony and is not specific to infection or hemorrhage.
• Moderate nipple discomfort – Breast fullness and nipple tenderness are common in breastfeeding mothers, especially in the early postpartum period. This discomfort alone does not indicate mastitis or any systemic infection.

A. "A cesarean birth is the only way to prevent transmission." Cesarean delivery is considered if active lesions or prodromal symptoms are present at the time of labor. However, it is not automatically required for all clients with a history of herpes.
B. "If you notice genital tingling be sure to notify your provider." Genital tingling or burning can be a prodromal sign of an impending herpes outbreak. Early reporting allows for appropriate evaluation and potential antiviral treatment to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn.
C. "Hydrotherapy during labor can help reduce transmission." Hydrotherapy has no effect on herpes virus transmission and is not used for this purpose. Preventing neonatal herpes depends on careful monitoring and antiviral management.
D. "The provider will perform weekly visual inspections for lesions." Routine weekly inspections are not standard unless symptoms suggest an outbreak. Clients are generally monitored and evaluated for lesions closer to labor or if symptoms arise.