Which instruction should be included in the discharge teaching plan to assist the patient in recognizing early signs of complications?

Choice A rationale

Difficulty breathing can indicate an anaphylactic reaction, a rare but serious side effect of Hemabate. It involves bronchoconstriction triggered by prostaglandin administration, usually necessitating emergency interventions.

Choice B rationale

Diarrhea is common due to prostaglandin's stimulation of smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased motility. This adverse effect often accompanies other systemic effects like cramping.

Choice C rationale

Hypotension, while possible, is less frequent and usually transient. It may result from the vasodilatory properties of prostaglandins but is not a primary side effect.

Choice D rationale

Palpitations occur less commonly and may arise if Hemabate induces systemic changes affecting heart rate, including reflex tachycardia secondary to other hemodynamic shifts.

Choice A rationale

Infection of the uterus typically presents with fever, foul-smelling lochia, and uterine tenderness, not bright red vaginal bleeding with a firm fundus. Firm fundus decreases the likelihood of retained products causing infection.

Choice B rationale

Uterine atony causes excessive vaginal bleeding due to the uterus's inability to contract effectively, but it doesn't apply here since the fundus is firm, indicating adequate uterine tone.

Choice C rationale

Perineal hematoma results from blood vessel damage during delivery. It causes a tense, painful mass and vaginal or perineal swelling, not steady, bright red bleeding with a firm fundus.

Choice D rationale

Lacerations of the genital tract result in bright red bleeding despite a firm fundus, as the bleeding originates from tears in the vaginal or perineal tissues rather than uterine atony.