A nurse is assessing a newborn following a forceps-assisted birth.
Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse identify as a complication of this birth method?

Choice A rationale
An incompetent cervix is a condition that occurs when weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. This condition is not directly related to the client’s current state of being 80% effaced and 8 cm dilated.
Choice B rationale
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. Mild cases are treated with dietary changes, rest, and antacids.
More severe cases often require a stay in the hospital so that the mother can receive fluid and nutrition through an intravenous line. This condition is not directly related to the client’s current state of being 80% effaced and 8 cm dilated.
Choice C rationale
Postpartum hemorrhage is a condition that can occur due to a variety of factors, one of which is a rapid or prolonged labor, which can result in uterine atony. Given that the client is 80% effaced and 8 cm dilated, she is in active labor and could potentially be at risk for postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The client is already in active labor, which means the pregnancy is not ectopic.

Choice A rationale
A temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F) is within the normal range and does not indicate endometritis.
Choice B rationale
Scant lochia is not typically associated with endometritis. In fact, women with endometritis may experience heavy lochia or foul-smelling lochia.
Choice C rationale
A WBC count of 9,000/mm is within the normal range and does not indicate endometritis.
Choice D rationale

Uterine tenderness is a common symptom of endometritis. Other symptoms can include fever, malaise, and foul-smelling lochia.