An adult with arthritis has been receiving treatment with naproxen and now reports ongoing stomach pain, increasing weakness, and fatigue. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor?

Choice A reason: Encourage rest until the analgesic becomes effective. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. The analgesic may take some time to relieve the pain, and forcing the client to lie down may increase the pressure on the pancreas and worsen the pain.

Choice B reason: Raise head of bed until at a 90 degree angle. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. Raising the head of bed may help reduce abdominal distension and improve breathing, but it may not relieve the pain as much as leaning forward.

Choice C reason: Place bed in a reverse Trendelenburg position. This is not the best intervention, as it does not address the client's preference or comfort level. Placing the bed in a reverse Trendelenburg position may help shift the abdominal organs away from the pancreas and reduce inflammation, but it may not relieve the pain as much as leaning forward.

Choice D reason: Position bedside table so the client can lean across it. This is the best intervention, as it addresses the client's preference and comfort level. Leaning forward may help decrease the tension on the pancreas and relieve the pain. The bedside table can provide support and stability for the client while sitting up.

Choice A reason: Moderate amount of foul-smelling lochia. This is the most indicative finding of a postpartum infection, as it suggests that the client has endometritis, which is an inflammation of the uterine lining. Endometritis is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.

Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg. This is a normal blood pressure for a postpartum client, and does not indicate an infection. The reference range for blood pressure is 90/60 to 140/90 mm Hg.

Choice C reason: Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C). This is a slightly elevated temperature for a postpartum client, but it does not necessarily indicate an infection. The reference range for oral temperature is 97.6 to 99.6°F (36.4 to 37.6°C). A mild fever may occur in the first 24 hours after delivery due to dehydration or hormonal changes.

Choice D reason: White blood cell count of 19,000/mm³ (19 x 10⁹/L). This is a high white blood cell count for a postpartum client, but it does not indicate an infection. The reference range for white blood cell count is 5,000 to 10,000/mm³ (5 to 10 x 10⁹/L). A leukocytosis may occur in the first few days after delivery due to stress or tissue injury.