The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed a blood transfusion for anemia.
Which situation represents an appropriate blood type match for this client?

This postpartum scenario requires knowledge of physiological adaptations after childbirth. The nurse must understand how the body eliminates excess extracellular fluid through diuresis and diaphoresis to explain these normal findings and provide appropriate reassurance to the recovering client.

Choice A rationale

This response incorrectly labels normal physiological changes as complications. Referring to a provider for a prescription is unnecessary because diuresis and diaphoresis are expected processes for fluid volume normalization in the early postpartum period.

Choice B rationale

Extending hospital stays or implying serious illness for normal fluid loss causes unnecessary anxiety. While intake and output monitoring is standard, these symptoms do not indicate a pathological state requiring prolonged hospitalization or medical intervention.

Choice C rationale

Postpartum diuresis and diaphoresis occur as estrogen levels drop and blood volume returns to pre-pregnancy levels. This helps the body eliminate the extra 2 to 3 liters of extracellular fluid accumulated during a normal pregnancy.

Choice D rationale

While venous pressure changes after delivery, it does not directly cause the nocturnal sweating and frequent urination. These symptoms are primarily driven by hormonal shifts and the renal clearance of excess plasma volume gained during gestation.

The nurse must apply knowledge of labor stages and parity. Recognizing that a multiparous client in the transition phase of labor often progresses rapidly to delivery is essential for prioritizing preparation for the second stage of labor and birth.

Choice A rationale

Repositioning every three hours is too infrequent for a client in the transition phase. Furthermore, at 9 cm dilation, the priority is preparing for imminent birth rather than implementing a long-term comfort schedule for early labor.

Choice B rationale

Pushing before the cervix is completely dilated at 10 cm can cause cervical edema or lacerations. The client is currently 9 cm dilated, so instructing her to push now is premature and potentially harmful to the cervix.

Choice C rationale

Initial labor education should occur during the latent phase. By the time a client reaches 9 cm dilation, they are in the transition phase and unable to process complex education due to the intensity of labor.

Choice D rationale

A multiparous client (para 5) at 9 cm dilation is likely to progress to complete dilation and birth very quickly. Preparing delivery supplies immediately ensures that the room is ready for the safe arrival of the newborn..