After delivery of the placenta, a client's uterus is slow to contract.

 Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention? 

Choice A rationale

Urinary frequency is not a typical symptom of mastitis. This symptom is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections or a normal postpartum physiological response due to the increased diuresis that occurs as the body eliminates excess fluid from pregnancy.

Choice B rationale

Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, malaise, and myalgia are systemic inflammatory responses often accompanying mastitis. These symptoms are caused by the body's release of cytokines in response to the bacterial infection, leading to a widespread systemic reaction.

Choice C rationale

Unilateral breast tenderness is a classic localized sign of mastitis, indicating inflammation and infection within the affected breast tissue. This localized pain is a direct result of tissue damage and the inflammatory cascade triggered by bacterial proliferation.

Choice D rationale

Unilateral breast erythema, or redness, is a cardinal sign of inflammation and infection in mastitis. This symptom is caused by vasodilation of local blood vessels and increased blood flow to the infected area, a key component of the inflammatory response.

Choice E rationale

Uterine tenderness is not a symptom of mastitis. Uterine tenderness, particularly with foul-smelling lochia and fever, is indicative of a postpartum uterine infection, such as endometritis, which is a different clinical condition affecting the reproductive tract.

Choice F rationale

Bilateral breast firmness is not a typical symptom of mastitis. This finding is more consistent with bilateral breast engorgement, which is a physiological process characterized by venous and lymphatic stasis, and not a localized bacterial infection.

Choice A rationale

Ignoring temper tantrums can sometimes be effective, but it may also escalate the behavior if the child feels their needs are not being met. From a psychological standpoint, the child is testing boundaries and seeking attention, and ignoring the behavior can be perceived as a lack of engagement, potentially intensifying the tantrum in an attempt to gain a reaction. This approach doesn't address the underlying developmental need for control and independence.

Choice B rationale

Distraction is a highly effective developmental strategy for toddlers. Toddlers have a short attention span and are easily redirected. By introducing a new, engaging activity, the nurse can shift the child's focus away from the source of frustration that triggered the tantrum. This technique prevents the tantrum from escalating and teaches the child to move on from a distressing situation without a power struggle, which is an important step in emotional regulation.

Choice C rationale

A toddler's cognitive development is not yet at a level where they can fully comprehend complex explanations about social norms or acceptable behavior. Their reasoning skills are still very primitive. Attempting to reason with a toddler during a tantrum is often futile and can even prolong the tantrum by giving the child attention for the negative behavior, thereby reinforcing it.

Choice D rationale

Placing a child in their room, or "time-out," is a discipline technique more appropriate for older children who can understand cause and effect. For a toddler, it can be perceived as abandonment or punishment without a clear connection to their behavior. This approach may not be effective and can cause fear or anxiety, failing to teach the child how to manage their emotions constructively.