The nurse has reviewed the Vital Signs at 1000.

Exhibits

Which of the following statements should the nurse include when reinforcing teaching to the client following the procedure? Select all that apply.

Rationale:

A. "I should be able to follow my normal routine after the staples are removed from my incision.” Normal activities should be resumed gradually; simply removing staples does not mean the incision and abdominal muscles have fully healed.

B. "I will ask my partner to perform household chores until my incision is healed." Delegating strenuous tasks supports proper healing and prevents strain on the incision site, reflecting appropriate understanding of postpartum activity restrictions.

C. "I will wait 4 to 6 weeks to perform kegel exercises." Kegel exercises can usually begin soon after delivery to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and are not delayed for several weeks unless specifically advised.

D. "I will maintain modified bed rest for the first 48 to 72 hours at home." While initial rest is important, prolonged bed rest can increase the risk of complications like blood clots. Gradual ambulation is encouraged to promote circulation and recovery.

Rationale:

A. Anger: Anger is typically characterized by blaming others, expressing frustration, or resentment toward the situation, self, or those perceived to be responsible. It often follows denial and precedes bargaining in the stages of grief.

B. Bargaining: The statement "If only I had another day with them" reflects bargaining, a grief stage where individuals dwell on what could have been done differently to prevent the loss. This often includes hypothetical thinking or “what if” scenarios as a way to cope with the pain.

C. Denial: Denial involves refusing to accept the reality of the loss. It may manifest as disbelief or numbness, rather than expressing a desire to have more time or change past events, as seen in this client’s statement.

D. Depression: Depression in grief involves deep sadness, withdrawal, or feelings of hopelessness. While the client may be experiencing sorrow, the focus on "if only" thinking indicates bargaining more than the full emotional weight of depression.