A nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida, at term, and having contractions but is stating that she is "not really sure if she is in labor or not.”. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a sign of true labor?

Choice A reason:

Hypothermia is the priority area for this newborn because the axillary temperature of 95.8° F (35.4° C) is below the normal range of 97.7° F to 99.5° F (36.5° C to 37.5° C) for newborns1. Hypothermia can lead to complications such as hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and impaired oxygen delivery2. The nurse should initiate interventions to warm the newborn, such as skin-to-skin contact, radiant warmer, or swaddling2.

Choice B reason:

Deficient fluid volume is not the priority area for this newborn because the apical pulse of 114 beats per minute is within the normal range of 100 to 160 beats per minute for newborns345. A low pulse rate can indicate dehydration or shock in newborns2. The nurse should monitor the newborn's fluid intake and output, weight, and signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes, sunken fontanels, and poor skin turgor2.

Choice C reason:

Impaired gas exchange is not the priority area for this newborn because the respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute is within the normal range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute for newborns345. A high or low respiratory rate can indicate respiratory distress or failure in newborns2. The nurse should assess the newborn's breath sounds, chest movements, oxygen saturation, and signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis2.

Choice D reason:

Risk for infection is not the priority area for this newborn because there is no evidence of infection in the vital signs or the question stem. However, newborns are vulnerable to infection due to their immature immune systems and exposure to pathogens during birth and aftercare2. The nurse should follow infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, aseptic technique, and cord care, and educate the parents on how to prevent infection at home2.

The correct answer is choice D. Announcement of the delivery.

Choice A reason:

Support thermoregulation is a priority in nursing care of the newborn immediately after birth. Newborns are at risk of hypothermia because they have a large surface area to body mass ratio, thin skin, and limited subcutaneous fat. To prevent heat loss, newborns should be dried thoroughly, placed skin-to-skin with the mother, and covered with warm blankets.

Choice B reason:

Identifying the infant is a priority nursing care of the newborn immediately after birth. Newborns should be identified with identification bands that match those of the mother and father or significant other. This helps prevent errors in infant identification and ensures safety and security.

Choice C reason:

Promoting normal respirations is a priority nursing care of the newborn immediately after birth. Newborns need to establish effective breathing patterns to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent complications such as respiratory distress syndrome or meconium aspiration syndrome. To promote normal respirations, newborns should be suctioned gently to clear the airway, stimulated to cry, and assessed for signs of distress.

Choice D reason:

Announcement of the delivery is not a priority in nursing care of the newborn immediately after birth. While it may be a joyful moment for the parents and family, it does not affect the health and well-being of the newborn. Therefore, it can be done later after the essential newborn care has been completed.