A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving prenatal care and is at her 24-week appointment.
Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse plan to conduct?

Rationales

A. Rust-stained urine.
Rust or brick-dust staining in the diaper is usually caused by urate crystals in the urine. This is a common and benign finding in newborns during the first days of life, particularly when fluid intake is still low. It does not require provider notification unless it persists beyond the first week or is accompanied by other abnormalities.

B. Subconjunctival hemorrhage.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage often results from pressure during delivery, especially in vaginal births. It appears as a bright red patch on the sclera but is harmless and resolves spontaneously within several weeks. It is considered a normal newborn finding and does not need to be reported.

C. Single palmar creases.
A single transverse palmar crease, also known as a simian crease, can be associated with chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. While it may sometimes be an isolated normal variant, its presence warrants further evaluation. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for assessment and potential genetic follow-up.

D. Transient circumoral cyanosis.
Brief bluish discoloration around the lips in a newborn is typically due to vasomotor instability and is common when the infant is crying or cold. As long as the central mucous membranes remain pink and oxygenation is normal, this finding is not concerning and usually resolves without intervention.

If a prolapsed cord is identified, the nurse should perform a vaginal examination and ensure the presenting part is pushed upwards to relieve pressure on the cord.

Choice A) is not correct because while it is important to cover the cord with a sterile saline saturated towel if it has prolapsed externally 1, it is not the next action after calling for assistance and notifying the provider.

Choice C) is not correct because administering oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 8 L/min is not mentioned as an immediate intervention for a prolapsed cord .

Choice D) is not correct because initiating an infusion of IV fluids for the client is not mentioned as an immediate intervention for a prolapsed cord .