A client who gave birth to a healthy baby girl 8 hours ago tells a nurse midwife that she gets dizzy and lightheaded every time she attempts to ambulate. No complications were noted during labor. Which of the following is the most effective intervention for the client?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse midwife should instruct the client to sit on the edge of the bed and dangle her legs before getting up to ambulate. The client is most likely experiencing orthostatic hypotension, which commonly occurs in postpartum mothers. Orthostatic hypotension is caused by gravity-induced blood pooling in the lower extremities. Dangling the legs reduces blood pooling and dizziness during ambulation. The client may raise her legs above the level of the hip for 3 to 5 minutes. Ordering for hemoglobin and hematocrit tests is not a priority. Assistive walking devices are recommended to clients with mobility limitations. These devices do not address or manage the client's symptom.

A Client Who Gave Birth to a Healthy Baby Girl