A nurse is teaching a client who has a history of genital herpes and is at 32 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) is a hallmark sign of an allergic reaction, particularly latex allergy, and typically appears quickly following exposure to allergens. It is not seen in malignant hyperthermia or hypovolemic shock.
• Wheezing: Wheezing can occur in latex allergy due to bronchospasm or airway edema. While respiratory compromise may happen in malignant hyperthermia, it is typically due to muscle breakdown and CO2 retention, not bronchospasm. Wheezing is not expected in hypovolemic shock.
• Muscle rigidity: Generalized rigidity, especially of the jaw (masseter spasm), is a key early sign of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction to certain anesthetics. It is not a symptom of latex allergy or hypovolemic shock.
• Hypercapnia: An elevated PaCO₂ is an early, sensitive marker of malignant hyperthermia, resulting from increased CO₂ production due to sustained muscle contraction. This does not occur in latex allergy or hypovolemic shock.
• Tachycardia: Elevated heart rate can be seen in all three conditions: in malignant hyperthermia due to increased metabolic demand, in latex allergy due to anaphylactic reaction, and in hypovolemic shock as a compensatory response to fluid loss.

A. Request a prescription for terbutaline from the provider. Terbutaline is a tocolytic used to stop preterm labor, not indicated in this postpartum scenario. The client is already on uterotonic therapy (methylergonovine), which is appropriate for postpartum uterine atony.
B. Obtain a culture specimen of the lochia from the client's perineal pad using a sterile swab. This is appropriate because the client’s lochia is foul-smelling, indicating a possible endometrial infection (endometritis). Culturing the lochia helps guide antibiotic therapy.
C. Inform the client she will need to formula feed her newborn until she has received antibiotics for 24 hr. This is incorrect. Breastfeeding is usually safe with most antibiotics, including clindamycin, and mothers with postpartum infections can typically continue breastfeeding unless advised otherwise by the provider.
D. Initiate contact precautions. Contact precautions are not necessary unless the client has an identified or suspected infection that is transmissible by direct contact (e.g., MRSA). Standard precautions are sufficient for routine postpartum care and suspected endometritis.
E. Monitor the height and tone of the client’s fundus. The fundus is tender and was initially boggy, indicating risk for uterine atony or subinvolution. Monitoring tone and height helps detect complications such as hemorrhage or infection.
F. Instruct the client to wash her hands before and after changing her perineal pad. Hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection to the perineal area or incision and to promote general postpartum hygiene.
G. Encourage the client to maintain a semi-Fowler’s position to enhance uterine drainage. This position helps promote lochia drainage, reduce uterine pooling, and may help with comfort and resolution of infection by improving uterine drainage.