The nurse caring for the postpartum client who has developed thrombophlebitis is providing instructions in the management of this condition. Which client statement indicates the need for further instruction?

Choice A rationale

Preterm infants lack coordination for sucking, swallowing, and breathing until approximately 32-34 weeks' gestation. Gavage feeding prevents aspiration by bypassing the immature oral motor mechanisms required for safe oral feeding.

Choice B rationale

Preterm infants can digest milk due to functional gastrointestinal enzymes. Digestive immaturity relates more to delayed gastric emptying rather than the inability to process nutrients, which is managed with small frequent feeds.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring intake is crucial for growth and hydration, but gavage feeding primarily addresses feeding immaturity, not intake measurement. Accurate intake can be monitored through oral feeds with supplemental measurements.

Choice D rationale

Gavage feeding does not directly prevent thrush. Thrush prevention involves oral hygiene and immune support rather than feeding methods, as thrush may still occur regardless of tube feeding or oral intake.

Choice A rationale

A soft uterus indicates uterine atony, a complication rather than a normal finding. Daily fundal palpation ensures involution but should result in a firm, not soft, uterus.

Choice B rationale

Passage of clots is common postpartum, but ongoing monitoring for excessive clotting is crucial as it may indicate retained placental fragments or incomplete uterine involution.

Choice C rationale

Decreased lochia does not indicate complications unless it is completely absent, which may suggest uterine or cervical obstruction and warrants further evaluation.

Choice D rationale

Increased lochia or bright red bleeding signifies secondary postpartum hemorrhage, often caused by retained placental tissue or subinvolution, requiring immediate medical attention.