A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a client. Exhibits Select the 5 findings that indicate the client’s condition has improved.
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Heart rate decreased from 110/min on day 3 to 78/min on day 5. Tachycardia is a common response to fever and infection. The return to normal heart rate indicates resolution of infection and improved systemic status. B. Temperature decreased from 38.6°C (101.5°F) to 37.1°C (98.9°F). Afebrile status reflects infection resolution and successful antibiotic response. C. Fundus descended from 1 cm above umbilicus (day 3) to 4 cm below umbilicus (day 5). Normal uterine involution should occur at about 1 cm/day; this finding confirms proper healing and uterine contraction. D. WBC count decreased from 33,000/mm³ to 10,000/mm³, which is within the normal range (5,000–10,000/mm³). This indicates infection control and resolution of systemic inflammation. E. Lochia changed from dark brown and foul-smelling to small amount of brownish-red lochia without odor. The progression and normalization of lochia color and odor indicate healing and resolution of uterine infection. F. Hemoglobin (Hgb) decreased from 11.1 g/dL to 10 g/dL, indicating continued mild anemia likely related to blood loss from delivery or infection recovery. Although the drop is slight, it does not indicate clinical improvement.