A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor with a fetus in the occipitoposterior position. The nurse assists the client into a hands-and-knees position. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention?

A. To facilitate bonding between the newborn and parent. This is correct. Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment, typically used to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, can temporarily blur the newborn's vision. Delaying its application for a short period allows the newborn to maintain eye contact with the parent during the critical bonding period immediately following birth.

B. To allow manifestations of infection to be identified. This is incorrect. The purpose of the antibiotic ointment is to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia, which may not present with immediate symptoms. Delaying its application to observe for signs of infection would not be appropriate.

C. The newborn's weight is not a determining factor for delaying the instillation of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment.

D. The mode of delivery, whether vaginal or cesarean, does not affect the timing of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment instillation.

Rationale:

A. Back pain following intercourse at 36 weeks of gestation may be common and is not typically indicative of an urgent issue.

B. Severe vomiting in early pregnancy could indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, which may require immediate assessment and intervention to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

C. Frequent urination at 10 weeks of gestation is common due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus, but it does not typically require immediate assessment unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

D. Periodic tingling of the fingers at 24 weeks of gestation could be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is common in pregnancy but does not usually require urgent assessment unless severe or accompanied by other symptoms.