Nokea
The nurse is providing postpartum care for a patient after a vaginal delivery. Which assessment finding causes the nurse to suspect endometritis from beta-hemolytic streptococcus?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, an elevated temperature greater than 100.4°F. Endometritis, an infection of the uterine lining, commonly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus, often presents with a fever. This is a key sign of infection, indicating the presence of an inflammatory process. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Scant amount of odorless lochia is indicative of normal postpartum discharge, not necessarily endometritis.
B: Headache, malaise, and chills are non-specific symptoms that could be present in various conditions, not specific to endometritis.
C: Pain or discomfort in the midline lower abdomen could be related to postpartum uterine contractions or other causes, but it is not a specific finding for endometritis.