A client at 28 weeks gestation is in preterm labor and it is not expected that the fetus will survive after delivery. What should be the nurse’s initial action?

Choice A rationale

While a perineal hematoma can lead to increased WBC count, there is no indication of such a complication, making this assessment less immediate.

Choice B rationale

Assessing vital signs is an important part of routine postpartum care. Still, a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm is within a normal range for a woman within the first 24-48 hours after delivery and is not necessarily indicative of infection.

Choice C rationale

While an elevated WBC can indicate infection, a postpartum woman's white blood cell count can be normally elevated up to 20,000/mm due to the stress of labor and delivery. Checking a differential will provide a more accurate breakdown of different types of white blood cells for a more precise assessment.

Choice D rationale

A normal WBC in a postpartum client ranges from (12,000- 20, 000/mm. Checking the white blood cell differential helps determine the specific types of WBCs present and gives more information as to whether the elevation is the body's normal response to childbirth or a sign of infection.

Choice A rationale

In a situation where a client at 28 weeks gestation is in preterm labor and it is not expected that the fetus will survive after delivery, the nurse’s initial action should be to contact spiritual support services. This can provide much-needed emotional and spiritual support to the client during this difficult time.

Choice B rationale

While providing information about an autopsy might be necessary at some point, it should not be the initial action. The first response should be focused on providing emotional support.

Choice C rationale

Discussing neonatal resuscitation options might not be appropriate in this scenario, especially if it’s not expected that the fetus will survive. The initial focus should be on providing emotional support.

Choice D rationale

Contacting the organ donation organization is not the initial action to take in this situation. The first response should be providing emotional and spiritual support to the client.