Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 2010 of 2368
A client is 36 hours postpartum and has a temperature of 38.4 C (101.1 F). Which action should the nurse take?
- Document it as an expected change from the work of labor
- Report the temperature to the provider because it may indicate infection
- Encourage fluids and recheck in 24 hours
- Apply a cold pack to the breasts
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Correct answer: Report the temperature to the provider because it may indicate infection
After the first 24 hours the client should be afebrile, and a temperature above 38 C at any time is reported.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Postpartum Care: TEMPERATURE. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026