A clients temperature is 100.4 degrees 12 hours after a spontaneous vaginal birth. What does the nurse suspect is the cause of the increased temparature?

Dehydration

Explanation:

A client's temperature may be elevated to 100.4° F (38° C) during the first 24 hours after delivery because of dehydration resulting from the exertion and stress of labor. Mastitis usually develops after breastfeeding is established and the milk supply is present. Puerperal infection usually begins with a fever of 100.4° F (38 °C) or higher on 2 successive days, excluding the first 24 hours after delivery. Urinary tract infection usually becomes evident later in the postpartum period.