A nurse is admitting a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has severe gestational hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect to implement? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Asymmetric thigh folds is a common finding in newborns who have DDH, because the affected hip is dislocated or subluxated, causing the thigh to appear shorter and the skin folds to be uneven. The nurse should compare the number and depth of the skin folds on both sides of the groin and buttocks.

Choice B reason: Absent plantar reflexes is not a typical finding in newborns who have DDH, because it is not related to the hip joint. The plantar reflex is a normal reflex that causes the toes to curl when the sole of the foot is stroked. The nurse should assess the plantar reflex in all newborns, regardless of their hip status.

Choice C reason: Lengthened thigh on the affected side is not a usual finding in newborns who have DDH, because the opposite is true. The affected thigh is usually shorter than the unaffected thigh, due to the displacement of the femoral head from the acetabulum. The nurse should measure the length of both thighs from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus.

Choice D reason: Inwardly turned foot on the affected side is not a specific finding in newborns who have DDH, because it can be caused by other conditions, such as metatarsus adductus or clubfoot. The inward turning of the foot is not a direct result of the hip disorder, but rather a secondary effect of the abnormal positioning of the leg. The nurse should examine the alignment and mobility of the foot and ankle.

Choice A reason: Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is an important intervention that can help the client to manage her physical recovery and her infant's needs, but it is not sufficient to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being.

Choice B reason: Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is a priority action by the nurse, as it is essential to assess the client's risk of infanticide, which is the intentional killing of an infant by the mother. Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is a sensitive and difficult question, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of the infant and the mother, and to provide appropriate interventions and referrals. The nurse should ask the question in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner, and validate the client's feelings and concerns.

Choice C reason: Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises is a helpful intervention that can enhance the client's resilience and self-efficacy, but it is not sufficient to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being.

Choice D reason: Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant is a possible intervention that can improve the client's mood and functioning, but it is not the only or the first option to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being. The nurse should collaborate with the provider and the client to determine the best treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy, social support, or alternative therapies.