A postpartum client who delivered via cesarean section expresses discomfort when ambulating and performing activities of daily living. What nursing intervention should be prioritized to promote optimal recovery?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation and progressive activity as tolerated is the most appropriate nursing intervention to promote optimal recovery for a postpartum client who delivered via cesarean section. Early ambulation helps prevent complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, and constipation. It also promotes circulation and facilitates healing by reducing the risk of postoperative complications. Progressive activity helps the client regain strength, mobility, and independence, which are essential for a speedy recovery. Restoring normal movement will also help decrease discomfort and improve the client's overall well-being. In contrast, restricting movement may lead to complications and delayed recovery. Administering oral analgesics as needed is important for pain management, but promoting early ambulation is essential for optimal recovery. Heat packs should not be applied to the incision site as they can increase the risk of infection and interfere with proper wound healing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a postpartum client complaining of persistent, heavy vaginal bleeding, the most appropriate nursing action is to assess vital signs and uterine tone. This is important to determine if the bleeding is within normal limits or if there is a potential postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) occurring. Monitoring vital signs can help identify signs of shock, while assessing uterine tone can help determine if the uterus is contracting effectively to control bleeding. Prompt assessment and early detection of PPH are crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. Encouraging increased fluid intake, applying a cold compress, and administering pain medication may be appropriate interventions in some situations, but assessing vital signs and uterine tone take priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a postpartum client who presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, it is crucial to assess for signs of peritonitis or surgical abdomen. These signs may include rebound tenderness, guarding, rigidity, and fever. Peritonitis is a serious condition that may require immediate surgical intervention. Administering antiemetic medication, encouraging clear fluids, or providing a heating pad may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms and delay appropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of peritonitis or surgical abdomen is crucial for prompt identification and management of the client's condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. The client presenting with persistent, severe perineal pain and swelling, along with ecchymosis and tenderness of the perineum, could be indicative of complications such as a perineal hematoma. A perineal hematoma is a collection of blood in the perineal tissues and can be a serious postpartum complication requiring prompt medical attention. Therefore, it is crucial to alert the healthcare provider so that appropriate assessment, management, and treatment can be initiated promptly. Applying ice packs or encouraging the client to sit on a donut cushion may not be sufficient in this situation, and administering additional analgesic medication should be done only after the healthcare provider has assessed and determined the cause of the symptoms.