A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 12 hr old. Which of the following manifestations requires intervention by the nurse?

A. Brownish vaginal discharge may indicate the presence of old blood or mucus and is not necessarily a cause for concern in the absence of other signs or symptoms.

B. Contractions occurring every 4 to 5 minutes are within the normal frequency range during the first stage of labor.

C. Pink mucoid vaginal discharge, also known as the "bloody show," is a common occurrence in early labor and is not typically a cause for immediate concern.

D. Contractions lasting 100 seconds are excessively long and are a cause for concern.

Prolonged contractions can lead to decreased uterine blood flow, impacting fetal oxygenation. Such prolonged contractions should be assessed and addressed promptly.

The correct answer is C.

A. Acrocyanosis of the extremities: Acrocyanosis, or blueness of the extremities, is a common finding in newborns and is usually considered normal. It often resolves on its own and doesn't typically require intervention.

B. Murmur at the left sternal border: It's not uncommon for newborns to have innocent murmurs, and many resolve on their own as the infant grows. A murmur at the left sternal border alone may not necessarily indicate a problem, but it should be assessed by a healthcare provider.

C. Substernal chest retractions while sleeping: Chest retractions can be a sign of respiratory distress, and intervention is needed to assess and address the cause. Substernal retractions suggest increased work of breathing and may indicate a respiratory issue that requires attention.

D. Positive Babinski reflex: The Babinski reflex is a normal neurological response in infants. It involves the toes fanning out when the sole of the foot is stroked. A positive Babinski reflex is expected in a 12-hour-old newborn and does not require intervention.