A nurse is caring for a client following an amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a potential complication?

A. Discuss contraceptive options with the client and her partner.Discussing contraceptive options typically occurs later in the postpartum period, often during follow-up visits. This is not a priority during the early taking-hold phase, when the mother is focused on learning to care for herself and her baby.

B. Repeat information to ensure client understanding.Repeating information and ensuring understanding is more critical during the taking-in phase, which occurs in the first 24 to 48 hours postpartum, when the mother is more passive, fatigued, and focused on her own recovery. In the taking-hold phase, the mother is typically more alert and eager to learn.

C. Listen to the client and her partner as they reflect upon the birth experience.Reflecting on the birth experience is more aligned with the taking-in phase, when the mother is focused on herself and may need emotional support in processing the experience.

D. Demonstrate to the client how to perform a newborn bath.In the taking-hold phase, the mother is ready to take responsibility for the care of her newborn and actively seeks guidance. Demonstrating how to bathe the newborn is an appropriate intervention, as it provides practical support and helps the mother gain confidence in newborn care.

The correct instruction is C. "Check the temperature of your baby's bath water with your hand."

Explanation:

A. "You can share your room with your baby for the next few weeks": This is a recommended practice. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first six months and ideally for the first year of a baby's life. It promotes safe sleep and reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

B. "Cover your baby with a light blanket while sleeping": This instruction is not recommended. The AAP advises against using loose bedding, including blankets, in the sleep environment to reduce the risk of SIDS. It is safer to use sleep sacks or wearable blankets if additional warmth is needed.

C. "Check the temperature of your baby's bath water with your hand": This is the correct instruction. It is essential to ensure that the bathwater is not too hot to prevent burns. Checking with the hand is a practical way to assess the water temperature before placing the baby in the bath.

D. "Your baby can nap in the car seat during the daytime": While napping in a car seat during travel is acceptable, it is not recommended for routine or prolonged sleep. The upright position in a car seat may compromise the baby's airway, increasing the risk of breathing difficulties. It's advised to transfer the baby to a flat, firm sleep surface for regular naps.