Final answer:
Kegel exercises are taught to postpartum clients to improve pelvic floor tone by strengthening the muscles stretched during pregnancy and childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse teaches a postpartum client how to do Kegel exercises primarily to improve pelvic floor tone. During pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched and can become weakened. Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen these muscles, which, in turn, support the pelvic organs, help the body resist intra-abdominal pressure, and function as sphincters for the urethra, rectum, and vagina. Consequently, while uterine involution is important and is facilitated by breastfeeding, it is not the direct reason Kegel exercises are recommended. Likewise, Kegel exercises do not have a direct impact on reducing lochia or alleviating perineal pain. Therefore, the answer is C) Improve pelvic floor tone.