A nurse is assisting in the care of a newborn who is 72 hours old and is receiving treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Exhibits

Which of the following data collection findings should the nurse identify as requiring immediate follow-up? (Select all that apply.).

Choice A reason:

Administering methylergometrine to the client is not the first action the nurse should take. Methylergometrine is a medication that stimulates uterine contractions and can help reduce postpartum bleeding. However, it can also cause hypertension and should be used with caution in clients with high blood pressure. Furthermore, the nurse should first identify and address the cause of the boggy and deviated fundus before giving any medication.

Choice B reason:

Assisting the client to void is the first action the nurse should take. A full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly, leading to uterine atony and bleeding.

The nurse should help the client empty her bladder by encouraging her to use the bathroom, providing privacy, running water, or using a bedpan. This can help the uterus return to its normal position and tone.

Choice C reason:

Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the first action the nurse should take. A urinary catheter can be used to drain the bladder if the client is unable to void or has a large amount of residual urine. However, it can also increase the risk of infection and trauma to the urethra

and bladder. The nurse should first try noninvasive methods to help the client void, such as those mentioned in choice B.

Choice D reason:

Obtaining a stat hemoglobin level is not the first action the nurse should take. A hemoglobin level can indicate the extent of blood loss and the need for transfusion or other interventions. However, it is not a priority over restoring uterine tone and preventing further bleeding. The nurse should first assist the client to void and then massage the fundus if it remains boggy.

Choice A reason:

Infection is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting, not for fighting infections. Newborns are given vitamin K injections to prevent a serious disease called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), which is caused by bleeding in the brain or other organs.

Choice B reason:

Hyperbilirubinemia is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood, causing jaundice. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. Vitamin K does not affect the production or breakdown of bilirubin.

Choice C reason:

Bleeding is prevented by vitamin K administration. Vitamin K is needed for the synthesis of several clotting factors that help stop bleeding when there is an injury. Newborns have very low levels of vitamin K in their bodies because they do not get enough from the placenta or breast milk, and they do not have enough bacteria in their intestines to produce it. This puts them at risk for VKDB, which can cause life-threatening bleeding in the brain or other organs.

Choice D reason:

Potassium deficiency is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function, as well as fluid balance. Vitamin K does not affect the absorption or excretion of potassium.