What is the initial nursing action for a mother with a temperature of 100° F (38° C) postpartum?

For a postpartum mother with a temperature of 100° F (38° C), encouraging oral fluid intake is the most appropriate initial nursing action. After childbirth, it is common for women to experience slight elevations in temperature due to physiological changes, dehydration, or the body's response to labor and delivery. Ensuring adequate hydration can help in managing this slight fever and can also support recovery.

Oral fluid intake is crucial at this stage as it helps in maintaining hydration. Proper hydration can assist in successful breastfeeding if the mother plans to nurse and can contribute to overall recovery.

While monitoring the wound site, checking vital signs like blood pressure, and administering antibiotics are important nursing actions in the postpartum setting, they would typically follow after ensuring that the mother is adequately hydrated, especially when her temperature is only mildly elevated. This makes fluid intake a priority to help promote recovery and monitor any changes in her condition.