A nurse is assisting with the care of a newborn following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

Choice A rationale :

Contractions every 3 to 4 minutes. Rationale: Contractions are a significant sign of labor. When the uterus contracts regularly and with increasing intensity, it indicates that the woman is in labor. However, contractions alone may not be enough to confirm active labor, as Braxton Hicks contractions can occur earlier in pregnancy, which are often irregular and less intense.

Choice B rationale

Pain just above the navel. Rationale: Pain above the navel is not a specific indicator of labor. In late pregnancy, the baby's head may engage in the pelvis, causing pressure and discomfort in the upper abdomen. However, this symptom alone does not confirm active labor and can be attributed to various other factors as well.

Choice C rationale

Amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault. Rationale: The presence of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault, also known as rupture of membranes or "water breaking,”. is a significant sign that labor is likely to be in progress or imminent. When the amniotic sac ruptures, it releases the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus. This is a clear indication of active labor.

Choice D rationale

Cervical dilation. Rationale: Cervical dilation is one of the most reliable signs of active labor. As the uterus contracts, the cervix starts to dilate and efface (thin out) to allow the baby's passage through the birth canal. Measuring cervical dilation during a pelvic examination provides valuable information about the progress of labor.

Choice A rationale:

Stimulate the infant to cry. While stimulating the infant to cry is a common practice to assess the newborn's respiratory function, it is not the first action the nurse should perform in this situation. The newborn may cry spontaneously or may require other interventions, such as clearing the respiratory tract, before crying.

Choice B rationale:

Clear the respiratory tract. Clearing the respiratory tract is the priority action in this scenario. It ensures that the airway is open and allows the infant to breathe effectively. This is crucial because newborns are at higher risk of respiratory distress after birth, and prompt action can prevent complications.

Choice C rationale:

Dry the infant off and cover the head. Drying the infant off and covering the head are important steps to prevent heat loss and maintain the newborn's body temperature. However, these actions can be delayed briefly until the respiratory tract is cleared, as the immediate focus should be on ensuring the infant's ability to breathe.

Choice D rationale:

Clamp the umbilical cord. Clamping the umbilical cord is a standard procedure after birth to prevent bleeding and infection. However, it is not the priority in this situation. The first step should be to ensure the newborn's airway is clear and they can breathe adequately.