In the first 24 hours postpartum, a temperature of 100.4°F is most likely due to dehydration; the nurse should:

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Increase oral fluids
• C. Encourage fever monitoring
• D. Administer antipyretic

Answer: (B)

A mild fever in the first 24 hours after birth is often due to dehydration from labor, fluid shifts, and blood loss. Restoring fluid balance is the priority, so increasing oral fluids helps rehydrate the mother, improves circulating volume, and can reduce the fever if dehydration is the cause. It also allows ongoing assessment of hydration status through urine output and mucous membranes.

Antibiotics would be inappropriate unless there’s clear evidence of infection. Merely monitoring the fever doesn’t treat the underlying dehydration, and while an antipyretic can comfort the patient, it doesn’t address the cause. So the best course is to promote oral fluids and reassess the patient’s hydration and vital signs.