A nurse in the postpartum unit notes that a client's temperature is 100.4° F (38° C) 12 hours after delivery. What should the nurse do first?

In the context of postpartum care, a temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) within the first 24 hours after delivery is considered to be within the range of normal physiological responses due to the stress of labor and delivery. It is not unusual for a woman to experience a mild elevation in temperature as her body is recovering.

Rechecking the temperature in 4 hours allows the nurse to monitor any changes effectively. If the temperature remains elevated or increases, further actions can be taken, such as notifying the physician or investigating for possible infections or complications. This step demonstrates prudent nursing practice by allowing for continued assessment and aids in making informed decisions based on evolving clinical data.

While initiatives like encouraging breastfeeding can certainly contribute positively to maternal and infant health, they do not directly address the immediate need to monitor the client's vital signs postpartum. Similarly, instituting strict bedrest without further data would not be appropriate, nor would it be warranted without evidence of an underlying issue. Therefore, the most logical and appropriate first action is to recheck the temperature after a few hours for accurate monitoring.