A nurse is walking by a client's room and can hear the fetal heart rate dropping.
The nurse observes the heartbeat and interprets the monitor strip as indicating which of the following?

Choice A rationale

Methylergonovine (Methergine) is contraindicated in clients with hypertension because it can cause severe hypertension by increasing vascular resistance, leading to potential complications such as stroke.

Choice B rationale

Oxytocin (Pitocin) is used to induce labor and control postpartum hemorrhage and does not significantly increase blood pressure, making it safe for use in hypertensive patients.

Choice C rationale

Carboprost (Hemabate) is used to control severe postpartum hemorrhage and does not have significant effects on blood pressure. It is generally safe for hypertensive patients.

Choice D rationale

Misoprostol (Cytotec) is used for postpartum hemorrhage management and does not significantly affect blood pressure, making it safe for hypertensive patients.

Choice A rationale:

A postpartum temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher may indicate an infection. Infections can occur after delivery, particularly if there was a manual extraction of the placenta, as in this case. Close monitoring and further assessment are necessary to ensure the client does not develop sepsis or other complications.

Choice B rationale:

Fundal tone should be firm and well-contracted to prevent excessive bleeding postpartum. A boggy, midline fundus suggests that the uterus is not contracting effectively, increasing the risk for postpartum hemorrhage. This requires immediate attention and intervention to ensure adequate uterine tone and control bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Lochia should be monitored for quantity, color, and the presence of clots. Heavy lochia with small clots indicates that the client may be experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, which is a significant concern. This can be related to uterine atony, retained placental fragments, or coagulopathies and warrants prompt evaluation and intervention.

Choice D rationale:

A respiratory rate of 17/min is within the normal adult range (12-20/min) and does not require follow-up. There are no signs of respiratory distress or abnormalities in this case, indicating that the client's respiratory status is stable and does not necessitate further evaluation.

Choice E rationale:

A white blood cell count of 12,000/mm³ is within the expected range for postpartum women, where normal values can be elevated due to physiological stress and inflammation from delivery. This level does not indicate infection or pathology and does not require follow-up in the context provided.

Choice F rationale:

Blood pressure of 144/92 mmHg is elevated and concerning, particularly in a postpartum client with a history of chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes. This could signal postpartum preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders, requiring careful monitoring and management to prevent complications like seizures, stroke, or organ damage.