A primipara presents to the perinatal unit describing rupture of the membranes (ROM) occurring 12 hours prior to coming to the hospital. An oxytocin infusion is begun, and 8 hours later the client’s contractions are irregular and mild. Based on this data, the nurse plans to monitor which sign more frequently than for the average laboring client?

Choice A rationale: Hemoglobin of 10.4 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for non-pregnant women (12-16 g/dL) but may be acceptable postpartum. Mild anemia can cause fatigue but doesn't explain the new-onset headache, dizziness, or elevated blood pressure.

Choice B rationale: Platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is within the normal range (150,000-450,000/mm³). Thrombocytopenia would be a concern if platelets were below 150,000/mm³, as it can cause bleeding, but it doesn't correlate with the client's symptoms.

Choice C rationale: New-onset headache, especially unrelieved by ibuprofen, is concerning. Postpartum preeclampsia can present with a severe headache. The headache, combined with elevated blood pressure, requires further investigation for potential complications like cerebral edema or hypertensive encephalopathy.

Choice D rationale: Vomiting yellow fluid may indicate gastrointestinal distress or bile. In the context of right upper quadrant pain and elevated blood pressure, it raises concerns for conditions like HELLP syndrome or liver involvement. Further evaluation is needed to rule out these possibilities.

Choice E rationale: Right upper quadrant pain can be a symptom of postpartum preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, where liver enzymes are elevated. Pain in this area combined with other symptoms like headache, nausea, and elevated blood pressure warrants further investigation.

Choice F rationale: Seeing flashing lights is a potential sign of visual disturbances related to severe hypertension or preeclampsia. It can be an indication of impending eclampsia or other complications like retinal detachment or cerebral edema. This symptom must be promptly evaluated.

Choice G rationale: Elevated blood pressure (169/104 mm Hg) is a critical finding. Normal postpartum blood pressure should be below 140/90 mm Hg. Severe hypertension postpartum can lead to complications like preeclampsia, eclampsia, or stroke. Immediate medical evaluation is required.

Choice H rationale: Iron supplementation is common postpartum to address mild anemia and restore iron levels depleted during pregnancy and delivery. While important for recovery, it does not explain the new-onset headache, elevated blood pressure, or other symptoms reported by the client.

Choice A rationale

Postpartum preeclampsia symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and visual disturbances due to increased blood pressure. Normal BP is <120/80 mmHg. Labs may show elevated liver enzymes and proteinuria.

Choice B rationale

Infections postpartum can cause fever, localized pain, and discharge but are less likely to present with headache, nausea, dizziness, and visual disturbances. Normal WBC is 4,000-11,000 cells/mcL.

Choice C rationale

Anemia due to blood loss may cause fatigue, dizziness, and weakness but usually doesn't present with headache and visual disturbances. Normal hemoglobin is 12-16 g/dL for women.

Choice D rationale

Normal postpartum fatigue generally doesn't include severe headache, nausea, dizziness, and visual disturbances. It is mainly characterized by tiredness and mild discomfort as the body recovers.