A nurse is caring for a client who wants to know if it is possible to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean birth (VBAC). Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A reason:

Infection is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting, not for fighting infections. Newborns are given vitamin K injections to prevent a serious disease called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), which is caused by bleeding in the brain or other organs.

Choice B reason:

Hyperbilirubinemia is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood, causing jaundice. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. Vitamin K does not affect the production or breakdown of bilirubin.

Choice C reason:

Bleeding is prevented by vitamin K administration. Vitamin K is needed for the synthesis of several clotting factors that help stop bleeding when there is an injury. Newborns have very low levels of vitamin K in their bodies because they do not get enough from the placenta or breast milk, and they do not have enough bacteria in their intestines to produce it. This puts them at risk for VKDB, which can cause life-threatening bleeding in the brain or other organs.

Choice D reason:

Potassium deficiency is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function, as well as fluid balance. Vitamin K does not affect the absorption or excretion of potassium.

Choice A reason:

This statement does not indicate inhibition of parental attachment. The client may have prior experience or knowledge of bathing a newborn and may not need the demonstration. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and confidence in this skill.

Choice B reason:

This statement does not indicate inhibition of parental attachment. The client may be exhausted from the labor and delivery process and may need some rest to recover. The nurse should support the client's request and ensure that the newborn is well cared for in the nursery.

Choice C reason:

This statement indicates inhibition of parental attachment. The client expresses dissatisfaction with the newborn's appearance and implies that the newborn is not attractive enough. The nurse should explore the client's feelings and expectations about the newborn and provide reassurance and education about normal variations in newborn features.

Choice D reason:

This statement does not indicate inhibition of parental attachment. The client recognizes a family resemblance in the newborn and expresses a positive connection with the newborn and the partner. The nurse should acknowledge the client's observation and encourage further bonding with the newborn.