A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 10 hr old. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

An axillary temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F) is within the normal range for a newborn. Normal axillary temperature for a newborn is typically between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. Nasal flaring in a newborn is a concerning sign and may indicate respiratory distress. It suggests that the baby is having difficulty breathing and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation.

Choice C rationale:

A heart rate of 158/min is within the normal range for a newborn. The normal heart rate for a newborn can range from 100 to 160 beats per minute.

Choice D rationale:

Having one void since birth is not a concerning finding for a 10-hour-old newborn. In the early hours of life, the frequency of voids may vary, but the baby should have an increasing number of wet diapers in the following days.

Choice A rationale:

While there is a risk of infection with any internal examination, it is not the primary reason for avoiding internal examinations in a client with placenta previa. The main concern is avoiding trauma to the placenta, which could result in significant bleeding.

Choice B rationale:

Although internal examinations may potentially stimulate uterine contractions, leading to preterm labor in some cases, this is not the primary reason for avoiding such examinations in clients with placenta previa. The primary concern remains the risk of bleeding due to placental disruption.

Choice C rationale:

The correct explanation for the nurse to provide is that an internal examination could result in profound bleeding. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, and any manipulation of the cervix or uterus through an internal examination could disrupt the placenta and cause severe bleeding, endangering both the mother and the baby.

Choice D rationale:

While there is a risk of rupturing the membranes during an internal examination, this is not the primary reason for avoiding such examinations in clients with placenta previa. The primary concern remains the risk of bleeding due to placental disruption.