The nurse continues to care for the client.

Exhibits

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with psychosis or mania. Each finding may support more than one diagnosis.

A. Remove the safety inspection sticker before plugging in the IV pump. The safety inspection sticker is proof that the equipment has passed a required check. It should not be removed, as doing so may violate facility policies and regulatory standards.
B. Grasp the IV pump cord when unplugging it from the electrical outlet. Pulling on the cord rather than the plug itself can damage the cord or outlet and pose an electrical hazard. Always unplug by gripping the plug directly.
C. Check the cords of the IV pump for fraying. Inspecting cords for fraying or damage is essential before using any electrical equipment. Damaged cords can lead to electric shock, equipment failure, or fire, and must be reported and replaced.
D. Ensure that the electric outlet has two prongs for the IV pump. Medical equipment should be plugged into a three-pronged (grounded) outlet to prevent electrical shock. Two-prong outlets are not grounded and are inappropriate for hospital-grade devices.

A. Request a prescription for terbutaline from the provider. Terbutaline is a tocolytic used to stop preterm labor, not indicated in this postpartum scenario. The client is already on uterotonic therapy (methylergonovine), which is appropriate for postpartum uterine atony.
B. Obtain a culture specimen of the lochia from the client's perineal pad using a sterile swab is inappropriate because the pad is asceptic.

C. Inform the client she will need to formula feed her newborn until she has received antibiotics for 24 hr. This is incorrect. Breastfeeding is usually safe with most antibiotics, including clindamycin, and mothers with postpartum infections can typically continue breastfeeding unless advised otherwise by the provider.
D. Initiate contact precautions. Contact precautions are not necessary unless the client has an identified or suspected infection that is transmissible by direct contact (e.g., MRSA). Standard precautions are sufficient for routine postpartum care and suspected endometritis.
E. Monitor the height and tone of the client’s fundus. The fundus is tender and was initially boggy, indicating risk for uterine atony or subinvolution. Monitoring tone and height helps detect complications such as hemorrhage or infection.
F. Instruct the client to wash her hands before and after changing her perineal pad. Hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection to the perineal area or incision and to promote general postpartum hygiene.
G. Encourage the client to maintain a semi-Fowler’s position to enhance uterine drainage. This position helps promote lochia drainage, reduce uterine pooling, and may help with comfort and resolution of infection by improving uterine drainage.