A nurse is caring for a client who just delivered a newborn.
Following the delivery, which nursing action should be done first to care for the newborn?

The correct answer is choice B.

Choice A rationale:

The term “-1” in a vaginal examination does not refer to the effacement of the cervix. Effacement is usually expressed as a percentage.

Choice B rationale:

In a vaginal examination, “-1” refers to the station of the fetus. A “-1” station means that the presenting part of the fetus (usually the head) is 1 cm above the ischial spines.

Choice C rationale:

The term “-1” in a vaginal examination does not refer to the dilation of the cervix. Dilation is usually measured in centimeters, from 0 (no dilation) to 10 (fully dilated).

Choice D rationale:

A “-1” station does not mean that the presenting part is below the ischial spines. It means that it is above the ischial spines.

The correct answer is choice B.

Choice A rationale:

Vitamin K is given to newborns to prevent bleeding disorders, not eye conditions.

Choice B rationale:

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is commonly used for prophylaxis of neonatal conjunctivitis (pink eye) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Choice C rationale:

Gentamicin ophthalmic ointment can be used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, but it is not typically used for prophylaxis of neonatal eye conditions.

Choice D rationale:

Silver nitrate solution was once used for prophylaxis of neonatal eye conditions, but it is no longer commonly used due to the risk of chemical conjunctivitis.