A nurse is assessing a full-term newborn. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

The correct answer is c. Cleanse the newborn immediately after delivery. This is because cleansing the newborn can reduce the risk of HIV transmission through exposure to maternal blood or fluids. The other options are not appropriate for the following reasons:

a. Administer IV antibiotics to the newborn. This is not necessary unless the newborn has signs of infection or sepsis. Antibiotics do not prevent or treat HIV infection.
b. Encourage the mother to breastfeed her newborn. This is contraindicated for mothers with HIV, as breastfeeding can transmit the virus to the infant. Mothers with HIV should avoid breastfeeding and use formula or donor milk instead.
d. Initiate contact precautions for the newborn. This is not required for newborns exposed to HIV, as HIV is not transmitted by casual contact. Standard precautions are sufficient to prevent the spread of HIV and other bloodborne pathogens.

Choice A rationale:

Decreasing the maintenance IV solution infusion rate is not the appropriate action for addressing late decelerations of the fetal heart rate. Late decelerations are a concerning sign during labor, indicating possible fetal distress. This can be caused by inadequate oxygenation of the fetus, and reducing IV fluids would not directly address this issue.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the client in a lateral (side-lying) position is the correct action when late decelerations are observed. This position helps to improve uteroplacental blood flow and can relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, thus increasing oxygen supply to the fetus.

Choice C rationale:

Administering oxygen via face mask at 2 L/min is not the priority action in response to late decelerations. While oxygen may be beneficial in certain situations, it is not the initial intervention for addressing fetal heart rate decelerations.

Choice D rationale:

Administering misoprostol 25 mcg vaginally is not appropriate for addressing late decelerations. Misoprostol is a medication used for cervical ripening and induction of labor, but it does not directly address fetal heart rate changes.