The nurse is conducting discharge teaching for a patient going home after a cesarean birth. Which signs and symptoms should the patient be taught to report? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because frequency, urgency, or burning on urination could indicate a urinary tract infection, a common post-cesarean complication. Reporting these symptoms promptly can prevent further complications. A, B, and C are incorrect. A mild incisional pain is normal after a cesarean birth and is expected during the healing process. Feeling of pelvic fullness may be due to postpartum changes in the body and is not necessarily concerning. Lochia changing from red to pink is a normal progression of lochia color and does not typically indicate a problem unless there are other concerning symptoms present.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: diastasis recti abdominus. This term refers to the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen. This condition commonly occurs after pregnancy due to the stretching of the abdominal muscles. It is important to differentiate diastasis recti from other conditions such as uterine subinvolution, which is the delayed return of the uterus to its normal size postpartum; umbilical hernia, which is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring; and striae, which are stretch marks caused by rapid stretching of the skin. Diastasis recti is characterized by a visible gap between the muscles, often causing a bulge in the midline of the abdomen. Treatment usually involves specific exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve the condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contact the health-care provider. Unilateral edema along with a hot, red area on the leg can indicate a potential serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is crucial to involve the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment. Contacting the healthcare provider ensures timely diagnosis and appropriate management. Summary: B: Explaining this as a normal finding is incorrect as it could be a sign of a serious condition. C: Massaging the calf can potentially dislodge a clot in case of DVT, leading to severe complications. D: Offering pain medication without proper evaluation can mask the symptoms and delay necessary medical intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because redness, pain, and heat are warning signs of a possible breast infection or inflammation, such as mastitis. This indicates an abnormality that requires further assessment and intervention. A: Colostrum expressed is a normal occurrence during pregnancy or after delivery and is not a warning sign. B: Nipple everted is also a normal anatomical variation and not a warning sign. D: Filling with milk is expected during lactation and not necessarily indicative of a problem.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because postpartum blues typically involve symptoms like irritability and sadness, which are common and usually resolve within a few weeks. This is different from postpartum depression (PPD), which is more severe and may last longer. A is incorrect because PPD is typically more severe than postpartum blues. B is incorrect because postpartum blues usually resolve within a few weeks, not up to a year. C is incorrect because PPD is not considered a normal expectation of postpartum, as it requires intervention and treatment.