Which activity must be performed by the nurse when discharging a postpartum client?

The appropriate action for the nurse when discharging a postpartum client involves comparing the identification bands of the mother and the infant. This procedure is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of both the mother and the newborn. By confirming that the identification bands match, the nurse helps prevent potential mix-ups, which could lead to serious consequences such as the wrongful placement of infants with different mothers. This safety measure is part of standard discharge protocols in maternity care, emphasizing the importance of patient safety and proper identification procedures.

While preparing discharge packets, arranging postpartum appointments, or taking pictures of the neonate may be valuable tasks, they do not hold the same immediate significance in terms of patient safety that comparing identification bands does.