A nurse is assessing a 1-hour-old newborn.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale: Tocolytic medications such as terbutaline, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, commonly cause nervous system stimulation, leading to side effects like jitteriness, tremors, and anxiety. This occurs because beta-2 receptor activation increases sympathetic nervous system activity, resulting in heightened neuromuscular excitability. These symptoms are transient and expected during therapy, reflecting systemic beta-2 receptor effects beyond uterine muscle relaxation.

Choice B rationale: Terbutaline and similar beta-2 agonist tocolytics increase heart rate by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors in cardiac tissue. This causes positive chronotropic effects, increasing the rate of sinoatrial node firing. Tachycardia is a common adverse effect and is closely monitored as excessive cardiac stimulation can precipitate arrhythmias, especially in clients with underlying cardiac conditions.

Choice C rationale: Tocolytics like terbutaline typically do not increase blood pressure; in fact, beta-2 agonists cause vasodilation leading to decreased peripheral vascular resistance and often lower blood pressure. An increase in blood pressure is not a typical pharmacologic effect and would be unusual. Hypertensive responses are more commonly associated with other drug classes, such as alpha-agonists or corticosteroids.

Choice D rationale: The primary pharmacologic goal of tocolytics is to relax uterine smooth muscle by decreasing intracellular calcium levels, thus inhibiting contractions. Terbutaline, as a beta-2 agonist, activates adenylate cyclase increasing cAMP, which reduces contractility. Therefore, a decrease in contraction frequency and intensity is an expected therapeutic outcome.

Choice E rationale: Terbutaline is commonly administered subcutaneously, allowing for rapid absorption and onset of action. The subcutaneous route facilitates outpatient administration and easy titration of doses. Intramuscular or intravenous routes are less frequently used for this medication in preterm labor management. Patient education on injection technique and site care is essential to prevent complications.

Choice F rationale: Headaches can occur as a side effect of tocolytic therapy due to systemic vasodilation and fluid shifts. The medication-induced relaxation of vascular smooth muscle can cause mild cerebral vasodilation, leading to headaches. This side effect is generally manageable but should be monitored to differentiate from more serious adverse reactions.

Choice G rationale: Reflex monitoring is not a standard requirement for beta-2 agonist tocolytics like terbutaline. Reflex checks are more relevant for magnesium sulfate therapy, which can cause neuromuscular blockade and require frequent deep tendon reflex assessments to avoid toxicity. Therefore, frequent reflex monitoring is not indicated with terbutaline.

Choice A rationale

Transient circumoral cyanosis, a bluish discoloration around the mouth, can be a normal finding in the immediate newborn period, especially during periods of crying or temperature instability. It is often related to immature peripheral circulation and typically resolves as the newborn's circulatory system adapts to extrauterine life, without requiring intervention.

Choice B rationale

Transient strabismus, or crossed eyes, is a common and normal finding in newborns due to immature neuromuscular control of eye movements. The newborn's eye muscles are still developing coordination, and occasional misalignment is expected. This usually resolves spontaneously by 3 to 4 months of age as vision matures.

Choice C rationale

Caput succedaneum, a localized soft tissue edema of the scalp, is a common finding in newborns after vaginal birth. It results from pressure on the presenting part of the head during labor. It crosses suture lines and typically resolves within a few days, representing a benign finding that does not require medical intervention.

Choice D rationale

Generalized petechiae, which are small, pinpoint hemorrhages, are an abnormal finding in a 1-hour-old newborn and warrant immediate reporting to the provider. While scattered petechiae over the presenting part may occur with a difficult delivery, generalized petechiae can indicate a coagulation disorder, infection, or other serious underlying pathological condition requiring prompt evaluation and intervention.