A nurse is caring for a client who reports unrelieved episiotomy pain 8 hr following a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Checking the newborn's temperature every 8 hours is not directly related to managing hyperbilirubinemia or phototherapy. Monitoring the newborn's temperature is important, but it should be done more frequently, especially during phototherapy, as infants are at risk of developing hypothermia.

Choice B rationale:

Applying moisturizing lotion to the newborn's skin every 4 hours is not a necessary intervention for hyperbilirubinemia or phototherapy. While skin care is important for all newborns, it is not a specific intervention for this condition.

Choice C rationale:

Giving the newborn 1 oz of glucose water every 4 hours is not an appropriate intervention for hyperbilirubinemia. Glucose water is not a recommended treatment for this condition.

Instead, phototherapy helps break down the bilirubin and promote its elimination from the body.

Choice D rationale:

Repositioning the newborn every 2 to 3 hours is the correct intervention. Repositioning helps ensure even exposure of the baby's skin to the phototherapy lights, maximizing its effectiveness in reducing bilirubin levels. Additionally, repositioning prevents pressure ulcers and promotes comfort for the infant during treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) is not a manifestation of hypoglycemia in a newborn. Instead, hypotonia (decreased muscle tone) is more characteristic.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. Jitteriness is a common sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn. It may be accompanied by other symptoms like poor feeding, tremors, and irritability.

Choice C rationale:

Acrocyanosis (bluish discoloration of the hands and feet) is a normal finding in newborns and is not specifically associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

Generalized petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin) are not indicative of hypoglycemia but may be associated with other medical conditions.