A nurse is caring for a client who is at 12 weeks of gestation and has hyperemesis gravidarum.

Exhibits

The nurse is assessing the client 24 hr later. How should the nurse interpret the findings?

For each finding click to specify whether the finding is unrelated to the diagnosis, a sign of potential improvement, or a sign of potential worsening condition.

A. Administer oxygen via a face mask: This is the correct answer. Administering oxygen helps improve oxygenation to the fetus and is a standard intervention for late decelerations.

B. Decrease the rate of IV fluids: Decreasing IV fluids is not typically the first intervention for late decelerations. The primary goal is to improve oxygenation to the fetus, and increasing or maintaining maternal blood volume is important.

C. Perform fetal scalp stimulation: Fetal scalp stimulation is not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. It is more commonly used for assessing fetal well-being and responsiveness during the labor process.

D. Elevate the client’s head: Elevation of the client's head is not the recommended position for addressing late decelerations. Placing the client in a side-lying position is more appropriate to relieve pressure on the vena cava.

In the context of the newborn's information, the nurse should report the following findings to the provider:

A. Coombs test result:

Explanation: The Coombs test checks for the presence of antibodies that can destroy red blood cells. In the absence of information about any specific concern or risk factors, a Coombs test result may not be immediately necessary for a term newborn. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for clarification on why the test was performed.

D. Intake and output:

Explanation: The newborn has voided only once since birth. Infrequent voiding can be a concern, and the nurse should report this to the provider for further evaluation, as adequate urine output is important to assess renal function and hydration status.

G. Mucous membrane assessment:

Explanation: Mucous membrane color and moisture are important indicators of hydration. If there are abnormalities, such as pale or dry mucous membranes, the nurse should report this to the provider for further assessment.

H. Sclera color:

Explanation: The color of the sclera can indicate jaundice in a newborn. If the sclera color appears yellow or jaundiced, the nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation.

The following findings are not typically of immediate concern in the given context:

B. Glucose level:

Explanation: While glucose levels are important in certain situations, there is no information suggesting a need for immediate concern about glucose levels in this case. The nurse can monitor blood glucose levels as part of routine care but does not need to report it without specific concerns.

C. Head assessment finding:

Explanation: The information does not provide details about any abnormal head assessment findings. If there are no specific concerns mentioned, the nurse may not need to report this finding unless there are abnormalities observed during routine assessments.

E. Respiratory rate:

Explanation: The respiratory rate is not highlighted as a concern in the given information. If there are no specific abnormalities or signs of respiratory distress, the nurse may not need to report this finding without additional information.

F. Heart rate:

Explanation: The heart rate is not highlighted as a concern, and a normal Apgar score was noted at 5 minutes. If there are no specific concerns or abnormal findings related to the heart rate, the nurse may not need to report this finding without additional information.