A nurse is assisting with the care of a newborn 1 hr following birth.

Exhibits

Select the 5 findings that the nurse should report to the provider.

Choice A reason:

A prior vaginal delivery is not a contraindication for VBAC. In fact, it is a positive predictor of success for VBAC, as it indicates that the woman has a proven pelvis and can tolerate labor.

Choice B reason:

The gestation of 42 weeks is not a contraindication for VBAC. However, it is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth while awaiting spontaneous labor, which should be balanced against the risks of induction of labor or elective repeat cesarean.

Choice C reason:

Maternal obesity is a relative contraindication for VBAC. It is associated with a lower success rate of VBAC, a higher risk of uterine rupture, and a higher risk of maternal and neonatal complications. The decision to attempt VBAC in obese women should be made on a case-by-case basis by a senior obstetrician.

Choice D reason:

One prior cesarean delivery is not a contraindication for VBAC. Most women who have had one prior lower segment cesarean delivery are eligible for VBAC, as the risk of uterine rupture is low (0.5%) and the success rate is high (72-75%).

Choice E reason:

A macrosomic fetus is a relative contraindication for VBAC. It is associated with a lower success rate of VBAC, a higher risk of uterine rupture, and a higher risk of shoulder dystocia and birth trauma. The decision to attempt VBAC in women with suspected macrosomia should be made on a case-by-case basis by a senior obstetrician.

Choice A reason:

Heat facilitates the drainage of mucus for a premature newborn. This is incorrect because heat does not affect mucus drainage. Mucus drainage is more related to suctioning and hydration.

Choice B reason:

The newborn has a small body surface for his weight. This is incorrect because a small body surface area for weight would indicate a large newborn, not a premature one. A large newborn would have less risk of heat loss than a small one.

Choice C reason:

The newborn's temperature control mechanism is immature. This is correct because premature newborns have immature thermoregulation and are prone to hypothermia. Placing the newborn in an incubator helps maintain a stable temperature and prevent further complications.

Choice D reason:

Heat increases the flow of oxygen to the newborn's extremities. This is incorrect because heat does not directly affect oxygen delivery. Oxygen delivery is more related to ventilation, perfusion, and hemoglobin levels. The question is about a premature newborn who has signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, expiratory grunting, and mild cyanosis. These signs indicate that the newborn is having difficulty breathing and may have a condition such as respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, or meconium aspiration syndrome. The nurse should place the newborn in an incubator to provide warmth and prevent heat loss, which can worsen respiratory distress. The nurse should also monitor the newborn's vital signs, oxygen saturation, blood gases, chest x-ray, and neonatal abstinence scoring system if indicated. The nurse should be prepared to administer oxygen, surfactant, or mechanical ventilation as ordered.