A client whose first child was delivered by cesarean section is 20 weeks pregnant with her second child and wishes to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). What information is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain?

Explanation: In this scenario, the sudden regurgitation and cyanosis in a 24-hour-old infant indicate a potential airway obstruction or compromise. The immediate priority is to clear the airway and ensure adequate ventilation.

Suctioning the oral and nasal passages helps remove any potential obstruction or mucus that may be causing the cyanosis. This intervention aims to restore normal airflow and prevent further respiratory distress in the infant.

Let's briefly evaluate the other options:

A) Turn the infant onto the right side.

Positioning the infant on the right side does not directly address the potential airway obstruction or cyanosis. While positioning may have some benefit in certain situations, such as facilitating drainage, it is not the most appropriate immediate intervention in this case.

C. Give oxygen by positive pressure.

Administering oxygen by positive pressure may be necessary if the infant's oxygen saturation remains low after suctioning and clearing the airway. However, suctioning should be the initial intervention to address any potential airway obstruction or mucus before considering oxygen administration.

D.Stimulate the infant to cry.

Stimulating the infant to cry is not the appropriate intervention in this case. It does not directly address the potential airway obstruction or cyanosis. Crying requires a patent airway, and if the infant is already cyanotic, it suggests an obstruction or inadequate ventilation. Therefore, suctioning and clearing the airway takes precedence over stimulating the infant to cry.

In summary, when a full-term, 24-hour-old infant in the nursery regurgitates and suddenly turns cyanotic, the practical nurse should immediately suction the oral and nasal passages to clear any potential airway obstruction or mucus. This intervention aims to restore normal airflow and ensure adequate ventilation for the infant.

The finding that is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse is the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 75 mg/dL or 12.9 mmol/L. This result indicates an elevated BUN level, which can be indicative of impaired kidney function. In a client receiving chemotherapy, an elevated BUN level may suggest chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity or other kidney-related complications. Prompt reporting is crucial to ensure appropriate intervention and management of the client's kidney function.
B. While the platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 109/L is slightly below the normal reference range, it does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. However, it should still be monitored and reported to the healthcare team for ongoing assessment and evaluation.
C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes may be an expected side effect of certain chemotherapy medications or a manifestation of neurotoxicity. While this finding should be documented and monitored, it is not as urgent as the elevated BUN level.
D. Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they may also be indicative of other underlying issues such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or gastrointestinal complications. While this finding should be addressed and managed, it is not the highest priority compared to the elevated BUN level.