A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who is newly diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "This type of seizure can be mistaken for daydreaming.": Absence seizures are brief, sudden episodes of impaired consciousness, often with staring and subtle motor activity. Because these episodes are very short and the child resumes normal activity immediately, they can easily be misinterpreted as inattentiveness or daydreaming.

B. "This type of seizure lasts 30 to 60 seconds.": Absence seizures are typically very brief, usually lasting 5 to 10 seconds, rarely up to 15 seconds. A duration of 30 to 60 seconds is longer than expected and more characteristic of other seizure types.

C. "The child usually has an aura prior to onset.": Absence seizures do not usually have a preceding aura. Auras are more commonly associated with focal or partial seizures, not generalized absence seizures.

D. "This type of seizure has a gradual onset.": Absence seizures have a sudden onset and end abruptly. There is no gradual buildup of symptoms, which helps differentiate them from other neurological or behavioral events.

Rationale for correct choices

• Endometritis: The client presents with multiple risk factors for postpartum uterine infection, including cesarean delivery, prolonged rupture of membranes, and high parity. Clinical findings of uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, fever, and tachycardia are classic for endometritis. The markedly elevated WBC count further supports an infectious process rather than normal postpartum changes.

• Uterus and lochia assessment: The uterus is tender to palpation and positioned above the umbilicus, with lochia that is dark brown and foul-smelling, which is abnormal in the postpartum period. Foul-smelling lochia is a hallmark sign of uterine infection due to bacterial overgrowth. Uterine tenderness reflects inflammation of the endometrial lining.

Rationale for incorrect choices

• Mastitis: Although the client reports breast firmness, warmth, and nipple discomfort, these findings are consistent with normal breast engorgement rather than infection. Mastitis typically presents with localized breast redness, unilateral pain, and systemic symptoms such as chills. The uterine findings and foul-smelling lochia are not associated with mastitis.

• Postpartum hemorrhage: Postpartum hemorrhage is characterized by excessive bleeding, hypotension, and signs of hypovolemia, which are not present in this client. The lochia amount is moderate rather than heavy and the hemoglobin level is stable. Although the fundus was initially boggy, it firmed with massage, indicating uterine tone is responsive.

• WBC: Leukocytosis can occur normally in the postpartum period due to physiologic stress and inflammation. While the WBC count is significantly elevated, it is not specific on its own for diagnosing endometritis. Without supporting uterine and lochia findings, an elevated WBC is not the strongest single piece of evidence for this diagnosis.

• Fever: A mild fever can occur postpartum due to breast engorgement, dehydration, or normal inflammatory responses. Fever alone does not localize the source of pathology or confirm uterine infection. When paired with uterine tenderness and foul-smelling lochia, the diagnosis becomes clearer. On its own, fever is insufficient to make the diagnosis.