A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 hour postpartum.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale

Premature newborns have immature respiratory and neurological systems, making them vulnerable to respiratory compromise and apnea in a car seat. A car seat test prior to discharge assesses their ability to maintain adequate oxygenation and heart rate while positioned in the car seat for a prolonged period, ensuring safety.

Choice B rationale

The retainer clip should be positioned at the level of the newborn's armpits, not the abdomen. Proper placement at the armpit level ensures that the harness straps are snug over the shoulders and chest, effectively restraining the infant and preventing ejection in the event of a collision, optimizing crash protection.

Choice C rationale

Newborns, especially premature ones, must always be placed in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Rear-facing provides optimal support for the newborn's fragile head, neck, and spine, distributing crash forces over the entire back and significantly reducing the risk of severe injuries in a collision.

Choice D rationale

The recommended angle for a rear-facing car seat is typically between 30 to 45 degrees, depending on the specific car seat model, not 60 degrees. This recline angle is crucial to prevent the newborn's head from falling forward and compromising their airway, which is particularly critical for a premature infant with underdeveloped neck control. .

• Moderate maternal bleeding: Worsening condition. HELLP syndrome involves platelet consumption and liver dysfunction that can cause coagulopathy and bleeding risk. New or increased bleeding signals disease progression and possible disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
• Client reports ringing in ears: Worsening condition. Tinnitus can be a sign of hypertensive encephalopathy or central nervous system involvement from severe preeclampsia/HELLP, indicating neurological deterioration.
• BP 180/100 mm Hg: Worsening condition. A significant increase from baseline hypertension signals uncontrolled blood pressure and heightened risk for stroke, organ damage, and progression of HELLP.
• Client reports sharp, stabbing abdominal pain: Worsening condition. This could indicate hepatic hematoma or infarction, a serious complication of HELLP syndrome due to liver injury.
• FHR 80/min with absent variability: Worsening condition. Fetal bradycardia with absent variability indicates fetal distress, often from placental insufficiency related to maternal vascular compromise.
• PT 12 seconds: Indication of improving condition. Normal prothrombin time (PT range ~11-13.5 seconds) suggests stable coagulation status, indicating no worsening coagulopathy or bleeding tendency at this moment.