A nurse is assessing a newborn 2 hr following birth. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. "You should increase your daily fluid intake.": Adequate hydration is important during early pregnancy to support maternal blood volume expansion, amniotic fluid production, and overall health. Increasing fluid intake can also help alleviate common symptoms such as constipation and mild nausea.

B. "Headaches are expected throughout pregnancy.": While mild headaches can occur, persistent or severe headaches are not considered normal and may indicate complications such as hypertension. Clients should be advised to report significant or recurrent headaches to their provider.

C. "You will feel your baby moving within the next month.": Fetal movement, or “quickening,” typically occurs between 16–20 weeks of gestation for primigravid clients, not at 9–10 weeks. Early reassurance should focus on expected developmental milestones for this stage.

D. "Hormone shifts often cause severe vomiting.": Mild nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes, but severe vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum) is not expected and requires medical evaluation for hydration and nutritional management.

A. Obtain a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test: BNP is a marker of heart failure and is indicated given the client’s new-onset dyspnea, crackles, and S3/S4 heart sounds. Measuring BNP helps assess for possible acute decompensated heart failure following surgery.

B. Obtain a complete blood count: A CBC helps identify infection, anemia, or other hematologic changes that could contribute to dyspnea, tachypnea, or hypoxia in the postoperative client. The client’s fever and tachycardia warrant this assessment.

C. Request respiratory therapy for intubation: Intubation is not immediately indicated as the client is still alert, maintaining oxygen saturation of 92% on supplemental oxygen. Less invasive diagnostics and interventions are prioritized first.

D. Obtain a STAT MRI: MRI is not the first-line diagnostic tool for acute dyspnea and postoperative cardiopulmonary assessment. It is not indicated in emergent evaluation of pulmonary or cardiac complications.

E. Obtain ABGs: Arterial blood gases are important to assess oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status given the client’s tachypnea, hypoxemia, and sudden respiratory distress.

F. Prepare the client for cardiac catheterization: Cardiac catheterization is invasive and not the immediate priority. Initial noninvasive assessment should guide the need for further intervention.

G. Obtain a chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is indicated to assess for pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, or other cardiopulmonary complications in a postoperative client presenting with dyspnea, crackles, and hypoxia.