What instructions should the nurse provide to a new mother regarding postpartum care and monitoring the newborn’s health?

Choice A rationale: Hemoglobin of 10.4 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for non-pregnant women (12-16 g/dL) but may be acceptable postpartum. Mild anemia can cause fatigue but doesn't explain the new-onset headache, dizziness, or elevated blood pressure.

Choice B rationale: Platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is within the normal range (150,000-450,000/mm³). Thrombocytopenia would be a concern if platelets were below 150,000/mm³, as it can cause bleeding, but it doesn't correlate with the client's symptoms.

Choice C rationale: New-onset headache, especially unrelieved by ibuprofen, is concerning. Postpartum preeclampsia can present with a severe headache. The headache, combined with elevated blood pressure, requires further investigation for potential complications like cerebral edema or hypertensive encephalopathy.

Choice D rationale: Vomiting yellow fluid may indicate gastrointestinal distress or bile. In the context of right upper quadrant pain and elevated blood pressure, it raises concerns for conditions like HELLP syndrome or liver involvement. Further evaluation is needed to rule out these possibilities.

Choice E rationale: Right upper quadrant pain can be a symptom of postpartum preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, where liver enzymes are elevated. Pain in this area combined with other symptoms like headache, nausea, and elevated blood pressure warrants further investigation.

Choice F rationale: Seeing flashing lights is a potential sign of visual disturbances related to severe hypertension or preeclampsia. It can be an indication of impending eclampsia or other complications like retinal detachment or cerebral edema. This symptom must be promptly evaluated.

Choice G rationale: Elevated blood pressure (169/104 mm Hg) is a critical finding. Normal postpartum blood pressure should be below 140/90 mm Hg. Severe hypertension postpartum can lead to complications like preeclampsia, eclampsia, or stroke. Immediate medical evaluation is required.

Choice H rationale: Iron supplementation is common postpartum to address mild anemia and restore iron levels depleted during pregnancy and delivery. While important for recovery, it does not explain the new-onset headache, elevated blood pressure, or other symptoms reported by the client.

Choice A rationale

Documenting the finding without further action is inappropriate when faced with an abnormal FHR pattern. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent potential fetal hypoxia or distress, necessitating a prompt response.

Choice B rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider is essential when encountering abnormal FHR patterns. Timely communication allows for appropriate interventions to be implemented, reducing the risk of adverse fetal outcomes and ensuring patient safety.

Choice C rationale

Scheduling an ultrasound is not the immediate priority when an abnormal FHR pattern is detected. Immediate clinical evaluation and interventions are necessary to address potential fetal distress or hypoxia.

Choice D rationale

Obtaining a hematocrit level is unrelated to the immediate management of abnormal FHR patterns. The priority is to address the fetal well-being and ensure adequate oxygenation through timely clinical interventions.