The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who has a prescription for loratadine by mouth daily as needed. Which sign indicates to the PN that there is a need to administer the medication?

Check fundal consistency and continue to monitor the lochial flow amount.

Choice A rationale:

Inserting an indwelling catheter to empty the bladder and contract the fundus is not the appropriate action for a sudden gush of vaginal blood and blood clots. The priority here is to assess the fundus, not intervene with an indwelling catheter. Catheterization may be necessary for other reasons, but not in this context.

Choice B rationale:

Returning the client to bed and maintaining bedrest until the lochial flow slows may be a reasonable initial response, but it is not the most appropriate action. The sudden gush of blood and presence of blood clots could be indicative of postpartum hemorrhage or retained placental tissue, which require prompt evaluation.

Choice C rationale:

Checking fundal consistency and continuing to monitor the lochial flow amount is the most appropriate action. The sudden gush of blood and clots suggest a possible uterine atony or retained products of conception. Assessing the fundal height and firmness helps identify if the uterus is contracting adequately, while monitoring the lochial flow amount can indicate ongoing bleeding.

Choice D rationale:

Massaging the fundus and avoiding direct pressure on the cesarean incision is not the recommended action in this situation. Massaging the fundus without assessing its consistency could worsen bleeding if there is uterine atony, and the client needs immediate evaluation and monitoring.

The correct answer is choice C. Suction the oral and nasal passages.

Choice A rationale:

Turning the infant onto the right side may not be the most appropriate intervention for cyanosis caused by regurgitation. Cyanosis signifies a lack of oxygen, and simply changing the infant's position might not address the underlying issue.

Choice B rationale:

Giving oxygen by positive pressure is not the immediate intervention needed for regurgitation-induced cyanosis. While administering oxygen is important, the first step should involve clearing the airway to ensure proper oxygenation.

Choice C rationale:

Suctioning the oral and nasal passages is crucial in this situation as the cyanosis is likely due to the infant's airway being obstructed by regurgitated material. Clearing the airway can restore normal breathing and oxygenation.

Choice D rationale:

Stimulating the infant to cry is not the appropriate action when cyanosis is present. Cyanosis indicates a serious problem with oxygenation, and crying may worsen the situation by further compromising the infant's breathing.