A nurse is assessing a term newborn who is 48 hours old.

The mother has a history of opioid use during pregnancy and was prescribed methadone.

Based on the findings 24 hours later, how should the nurse interpret the findings?

Choice A rationale
Turning a baby’s car seat forward when they are 1 year old is not recommended. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat. This is because rear-facing car seats provide the best protection for the baby’s head, neck, and spine in a crash.
Choice B rationale
While it’s important to keep a baby warm in the car seat, using a sleep sack is not the safest option. Bulky outerwear and blankets can interfere with the tightness of the harness, which can compromise the safety of the baby. Instead, it’s recommended to dress the baby in lighter layers and place a warm blanket over them and the harness.
Choice C rationale
A car seat challenge test, also known as a car seat trial, is usually performed on babies who were born preterm, not at full term. This test checks whether the baby can sit in a car seat safely without any breathing problems or other complications. Since the newborn in question was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term, a car seat challenge test is not typically required.
Choice D rationale
The car seat should indeed be positioned at a 45-degree angle. This angle is especially important for newborns and infants who are rear-facing, as it helps to support their head and prevent it from falling forward.

Choice A rationale
Providing the client with a cool sitz bath can help soothe the perineal area, reduce inflammation, and promote healing after a fourth-degree laceration.
Choice B rationale
Administering methylergonovine IM is typically used for the prevention and treatment of postpartum or post-abortion hemorrhage caused by uterine atony or subinvolution. It would not directly address the care of a fourth-degree perineal laceration.
Choice C rationale
Applying a moist, warm compress to the perineum can provide some relief from discomfort, but a cool compress or sitz bath is typically recommended initially after a perineal laceration to help reduce swelling.
Choice D rationale
Applying povidone-iodine to the client’s perineum after she voids is not typically part of the care for a fourth-degree perineal laceration. The area should be kept clean, but routine application of antiseptics is not usually necessary.