A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a client. Exhibits The nurse should anticipate a provider's prescription for a(n) dropdown and dropdown.

Rationale for Correct Choices: Intravenous antibiotic: The client shows multiple signs of endometritis: uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, fever, tachycardia, and elevated WBC count. IV antibiotics are the first-line treatment for postpartum uterine infections, particularly after cesarean delivery with risk factors like prolonged rupture of membranes. Increase in daily fluid intake: Clients with infection and fever require increased hydration to support perfusion, manage elevated metabolic demands, and help clear the infection. Fever and poor bowel motility may also contribute to mild dehydration, making fluid support essential. Rationale for Incorrect Choices: Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This is used to control postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony or trauma. Although the fundus was boggy, it firmed with massage, and there is no indication of active or excessive bleeding, making tamponade unnecessary. Kleihauer-Betke test: This test detects fetal blood in the maternal circulation and is used after trauma or suspected fetal-maternal hemorrhage, especially in Rh-negative mothers. It is not relevant to this postpartum infection scenario. Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used during pregnancy to suppress preterm labor by relaxing the uterus. In the postpartum period, they are not indicated and would be contraindicated in the presence of infection, as they can reduce uterine tone and worsen involution.