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

Dark and concentrated urine in an infant indicates inadequate hydration, which can be a sign of insufficient milk intake during breastfeeding. Well-hydrated infants, receiving adequate breast milk, typically produce urine that is pale yellow and dilute, not dark and concentrated. This reflects proper kidney function and fluid balance.

Choice B rationale

After effective breastfeeding, the breasts should feel softer and less engorged, not firm. The firmness before feeding is due to milk accumulation within the mammary glands. As the infant removes milk, the pressure decreases, leading to a softer breast texture, indicating successful milk transfer.

Choice C rationale

A tugging sensation during breastfeeding is a normal and expected physiological sign. This sensation results from the baby's effective latch and negative pressure creation, which draws milk from the milk ducts into the baby's mouth. It signifies proper milk ejection and efficient feeding.

Choice D rationale

Two to three wet diapers in a 24-hour period for a 5-day-old infant is indicative of insufficient fluid intake. A well-hydrated newborn at this age, receiving adequate breast milk, should typically have six to eight wet diapers per 24 hours, reflecting sufficient hydration and milk transfer.

Choice A rationale: Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, often used in labor inductions complicated by preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Having it readily available ensures prompt treatment of symptoms like respiratory depression or cardiac arrhythmias caused by magnesium overdose. This safety measure is critical because oxytocin use can increase uterine contractions and magnesium sulfate use requires close monitoring to prevent toxicity.

Choice B rationale: Obtaining the client’s heart rate prior to initiating oxytocin is essential to establish a baseline and monitor for tachycardia or bradycardia, which may affect maternal and fetal safety. Oxytocin can cause cardiovascular changes, including hypertension or arrhythmias, especially in clients with gestational hypertension. Continuous maternal cardiac assessment helps detect adverse effects early and adjust treatment accordingly.

Choice C rationale: Evaluating platelet count before induction is important in clients with gestational hypertension due to the risk of HELLP syndrome, which involves thrombocytopenia. Normal platelet levels range from 150,000 to 400,000/mm³; low levels increase bleeding risk during labor and delivery. Knowing platelet status guides safe management decisions, including anesthesia options and readiness for potential hemorrhagic complications.

Choice D rationale: Assessing for aspirin sensitivity is crucial because aspirin is often used in pregnancy for preeclampsia prevention. Aspirin hypersensitivity can lead to allergic reactions or exacerbation of asthma. Since the client has gestational hypertension, determining aspirin tolerance before administering medications is necessary to prevent adverse drug reactions and ensure safe pharmacologic management.

Choice E rationale: Reviewing the client’s history for heart disease documentation is vital as gestational hypertension increases cardiovascular risk. Preexisting heart conditions can complicate labor induction and oxytocin administration due to possible cardiac overload or arrhythmias. A comprehensive cardiac history ensures appropriate monitoring and interventions to prevent maternal and fetal complications during labor.