A nurse is caring for a postpartum client, 2 days after birth.
Which of the following expected findings does the nurse associate with the cardiovascular system changes in the postpartum period?

Choice A rationale

Changing the dressing on a cesarean incision for a patient who is 1 day post-op requires sterile technique and assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel (AP). This task should be performed by a licensed nurse.

Choice B rationale

Documenting the lochia amount on the perineal pad of a client who just transferred from labor and delivery involves assessment and documentation, which are nursing responsibilities. This task should not be delegated to AP.

Choice C rationale

Assessing an area of redness on the breast of a client who is 4 days postpartum requires clinical judgment and assessment skills, which are within the scope of practice for a licensed nurse. This task should not be delegated to AP.

Choice D rationale

Providing a sitz bath to a client who has a third-degree laceration and is 2 days postpartum is an appropriate task for AP. It is a comfort measure that does not require clinical judgment or assessment skills, making it suitable for delegation to AP.

F.

Choice A rationale

A headache that is not relieved by hydration, rest, or over-the-counter medication can be a sign of postpartum preeclampsia, a serious condition that can occur after childbirth. Postpartum preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and can lead to seizures, stroke, and other complications if not treated promptly.

Choice B rationale

Brownish red or pink lochia at 7 days postpartum is a normal finding. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, and it typically changes color from bright red to pink or brownish red as the healing process progresses.

Choice C rationale

Chills and fever greater than 100.4°F (38.0°C) can indicate an infection, such as endometritis, which is an infection of the uterine lining. This condition requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications.

Choice D rationale

Feelings or thoughts of harming oneself or the infant are indicative of postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis, both of which are serious mental health conditions that require immediate attention and intervention from a healthcare provider.

Choice E rationale

Increased urinary output is a common postpartum finding as the body eliminates excess fluid retained during pregnancy. It is not typically a sign of a complication.

Choice F rationale

Redness, pain, or tenderness in the calf can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can occur in the legs. DVT is a serious condition that requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment to prevent the clot from traveling to the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism.