A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth.

Exhibits

A nurse is assessing the newborn 24 hours later. Based on the exhibits provided, which findings indicate that the newborn’s condition is improving, worsening, or unrelated to the diagnosis?

Choice A rationale
Amniotic fluid embolism is a life-threatening emergency that can lead to cardiac and respiratory failure. Immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial to maintain circulation and oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Ephedrine is not typically used in the management of amniotic fluid embolism. It is a vasopressor used to treat hypotension, but it is not the primary intervention in this situation.
Choice C rationale
Assessing for the presence of clonus is not relevant in this situation. Clonus is a neurological sign and is not directly related to amniotic fluid embolism.
Choice D rationale
Assisting the client to empty their bladder is not a priority action in this situation. The immediate concern is maintaining the client’s airway, breathing, and circulation.

Choice A rationale
Irregular contractions of 10 to 20 seconds in duration that are not felt by the client during a nonstress test may indicate a need for further diagnostic testing. These could be Braxton Hicks contractions, which are normal, but if they become regular and increase in intensity, they could indicate preterm labor.
Choice B rationale
An increase in fetal heart rate to 150/min above the baseline of 140/min lasting 10 seconds in response to fetal movement within a 40-min testing period is a normal finding on a nonstress test. This is known as a reactive nonstress test and indicates that the fetus is well-oxygenated.
Choice C rationale
No late decelerations in the fetal heart rate noted with three uterine contractions of 60 seconds in duration within a 10-min testing period is a normal finding on a nonstress test. Late decelerations can indicate fetal hypoxia.
Choice D rationale
Three fetal movements perceived by the client in a 20-min testing period is a normal finding on a nonstress test. Fetal movement is a positive sign of fetal well-being.