A nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal birth 2 hr ago and has soaked two perineal pads in the past 30 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Checking the newborn's temperature every 8 hours is not directly related to managing hyperbilirubinemia or phototherapy. Monitoring the newborn's temperature is important, but it should be done more frequently, especially during phototherapy, as infants are at risk of developing hypothermia.

Choice B rationale:

Applying moisturizing lotion to the newborn's skin every 4 hours is not a necessary intervention for hyperbilirubinemia or phototherapy. While skin care is important for all newborns, it is not a specific intervention for this condition.

Choice C rationale:

Giving the newborn 1 oz of glucose water every 4 hours is not an appropriate intervention for hyperbilirubinemia. Glucose water is not a recommended treatment for this condition.

Instead, phototherapy helps break down the bilirubin and promote its elimination from the body.

Choice D rationale:

Repositioning the newborn every 2 to 3 hours is the correct intervention. Repositioning helps ensure even exposure of the baby's skin to the phototherapy lights, maximizing its effectiveness in reducing bilirubin levels. Additionally, repositioning prevents pressure ulcers and promotes comfort for the infant during treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring fluid intake is important for any newborn, but it is not the priority intervention for a small for gestational age (SGA) newborn. SGA infants are at risk of hypoglycemia due to limited glycogen stores, and monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in identifying and managing hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring axillary temperature is essential for all newborns to assess their thermoregulation. However, it is not the priority intervention for an SGA newborn. Hypoglycemia is a more immediate concern and must be addressed promptly.

Choice C rationale:

Monitoring blood glucose levels is the priority intervention for an SGA newborn. As mentioned earlier, SGA infants are at higher risk of hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately. By monitoring blood glucose levels, the nurse can detect and address hypoglycemia early.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring weight is important for tracking the growth and development of the newborn, but it is not the priority intervention in this scenario. The immediate concern for an SGA newborn is their blood glucose levels.