A nurse is assessing a newborn on the first day of life. Which of the following is an expected finding? (Select All that Apply.)

A) Fusion of labia in female genitalia:
Fusion of the labia in a female newborn is not an expected finding. This could indicate a condition such as labial adhesion or an abnormality in the development of the genitalia. Normally, the labia in a female newborn are separated. Any signs of fusion would require further evaluation by the healthcare provider.

B) Erythema toxicum on newborn's skin:
Erythema toxicum is a common and expected finding in newborns, usually appearing within the first 2–3 days of life. It consists of small, red papules or pustules on a red base, often described as a "flea-bitten" appearance. This rash is benign and resolves on its own within a few days to weeks. It is not associated with any infection or underlying health issues.

C) Hypospadias is noted in the male newborn:
Hypospadias, a condition where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip, is not an expected finding in all newborn males. While it occurs in a small percentage of male infants, it is a congenital anomaly that would require further assessment and possibly surgical correction. It is not considered a normal finding in a newborn.

D) Presence of syndactyly in extremities:
Syndactyly, the condition where two or more fingers or toes are fused together, is not a normal finding in newborns. While it is a congenital anomaly that can occur in some infants, it is not expected and requires further evaluation and possibly surgical intervention depending on the severity.

E) Negative Ortolani sign:
A negative Ortolani sign is an expected and normal finding in a newborn. The Ortolani maneuver is used to assess for hip dislocation, and a negative result indicates that the hip is stable and not dislocated. If the Ortolani sign were positive, it would suggest the presence of a developmental hip dysplasia, which would require further diagnostic evaluation. A negative sign is considered typical and reassuring.

A) A stool softener as needed:
Fibrinogen levels are elevated during pregnancy as part of the body's natural response to the increased risk of bleeding at birth. While this helps to prevent hemorrhage, it also increases the risk of clot formation, which can lead to postpartum complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). To prevent these complications, one recommended strategy is to use a stool softener. This helps prevent constipation, which can strain the body and increase the risk of developing blood clots due to the Valsalva maneuver during straining. Stool softeners reduce the likelihood of this strain, supporting overall circulation and reducing the risk of clotting.

B) Urinate every two to three hours:
While frequent urination is important for general bladder health, particularly in the immediate postpartum period to avoid urinary retention, it is not directly related to preventing complications associated with elevated fibrinogen levels. Fibrinogen's main risk is related to clotting, and frequent urination does not affect this process.
C) Eat a diet high in protein:
While eating a balanced diet with adequate protein is essential for postpartum recovery and tissue healing, it does not directly address the increased fibrinogen levels or the potential for clotting. A high-protein diet does not significantly reduce the risks related to hypercoagulability during the postpartum period, which is primarily managed through careful monitoring and preventive measures such as using stool softeners or encouraging movement.

D) Walk:
While walking is beneficial for overall health and can help improve circulation, reducing the risk of DVT and promoting postpartum recovery, walking alone may not be sufficient to counteract the increased clotting risk from elevated fibrinogen levels. While movement is important to prevent clots, the use of stool softeners to prevent constipation is a more direct and targeted intervention for preventing strain, which could trigger clot formation. Therefore, walking, while helpful, is not the most specific measure to prevent complications related to increased fibrinogen.