A nurse is admitting a client who has a diagnosis of preterm labor. The nurse anticipates an order by the provider for which of the following medications?

Choice A reason: Increased subcutaneous fat is not a typical finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have less subcutaneous fat, and may appear thin and wasted.

Choice B reason: Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because the skin has been exposed to the amniotic fluid for a prolonged period. The skin may also appear peeling, wrinkled, or leathery.

Choice C reason: Scant scalp hair is not a usual finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have more scalp hair, and may also have long nails and abundant lanugo.

Choice D reason: Copious vernix is not a specific finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have little or no vernix, which is a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin in utero.

The correct answer is B. No special treatment is necessary.

Choice A reason: Prone positioning is not typically recommended for a fractured clavicle in infants. It does not facilitate bone alignment in the case of clavicle fractures and is not part of standard care.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because clavicle fractures in newborns generally heal on their own without the need for special treatment. Parents may be instructed to pin the child’s sleeve to the front of their clothing to avoid moving the arm while it heals, but beyond gentle handling, no other special treatment is necessary. In most cases, clavicle fractures in newborns heal very quickly without any problems, and usually, no treatment is required.

Choice C reason: Immobilization and casting are not standard care for newborn clavicle fractures. These fractures typically heal without such interventions, and immobilization with a cast is not needed for these types of injuries in infants.

Choice D reason: While range-of-motion exercises might be beneficial later in the healing process, they are not the primary consideration immediately after the fracture occurs. The initial care plan focuses on gentle handling and comfort for the infant, not on exercises.