A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum, has a deep-vein thrombosis, and is receiving heparin therapy via subcutaneous injections. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

The clinical finding of 0 station does not provide information about the fetal head's position in the left occiput posterior position. Station refers to the level of the presenting part in relation to the ischial spines, not the position.

Choice B rationale:

The clinical finding of 0 station does not indicate that the largest fetal diameter has passed through the pelvic outlet. The station only tells us the level of the presenting part and does not provide information about the diameter passing through the pelvic outlet.

Choice C rationale:

The clinical finding of 0 station does not directly involve the palpability of the posterior fontanel. Station is determined based on the level of the presenting part in the birth canal.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct interpretation of the clinical finding. 0 station means that the presenting part (usually the baby's head) is at the level of the ischial spines, which serves as a reference point during labor. As labor progresses and the baby moves further down the birth canal, the station becomes more negative (e.g., -1, -2) until delivery occurs.

The correct answer is: A. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL.

Choice A reason:

Hemoglobin levels in newborns are expected to be significantly higher than in adults due to the physiological adaptation to life outside the womb. The normal range for a newborn’s hemoglobin is approximately 14 to 24 g/dL1234. A level of 12 g/dL is below the expected range and could indicate anemia or other underlying conditions that may require further investigation and intervention by the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason:

The glucose level in a newborn can vary, especially within the first few hours after birth. Normal blood glucose levels for a newborn 1 to 2 hours old can be as low as 25 mg/dL and can rise to adult levels (60-100 mg/dL) within the first few days5. A glucose level of 50 mg/dL in a 24-hour-old newborn falls within the acceptable range and would not typically require reporting to the provider unless accompanied by symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Choice C reason:

Bilirubin levels in newborns can be elevated due to the normal breakdown of fetal hemoglobin as the baby’s liver matures. Normal bilirubin levels for a newborn can range from 1.0 to 12.0 mg/dL6. A bilirubin level of 4 mg/dL is within the normal range for a 24-hour-old newborn and is not typically a cause for concern unless there are signs of jaundice or other symptoms.

Choice D reason:

The normal platelet count for a newborn ranges from 150,000 to 450,000/mm³7. A platelet count of 200,000/mm³ is well within the normal range for a newborn and would not need to be reported to the healthcare provider.