A nurse is caring for a newborn who is experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Bulging anterior fontanel. A bulging fontanel is associated with increased intracranial pressure, not dehydration. Dehydration is more likely to cause a sunken fontanel.
B. Decreased temperature. Dehydrated infants typically exhibit normal or elevated temperatures, especially if they have an underlying infection or fever. A decreased temperature is not a common sign of dehydration.
C. Hypertension. Dehydration more commonly leads to hypotension or normal blood pressure, depending on severity. Hypertension is not an expected finding in an infant with fluid volume loss.
D. Oliguria. Decreased urine output (oliguria) is a classic and expected sign of dehydration in infants. It indicates the kidneys are conserving fluid due to inadequate intake and fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea.

A. Request a prescription for terbutaline from the provider. Terbutaline is a tocolytic used to stop preterm labor, not indicated in this postpartum scenario. The client is already on uterotonic therapy (methylergonovine), which is appropriate for postpartum uterine atony.
B. Obtain a culture specimen of the lochia from the client's perineal pad using a sterile swab is inappropriate because the pad is asceptic.

C. Inform the client she will need to formula feed her newborn until she has received antibiotics for 24 hr. This is incorrect. Breastfeeding is usually safe with most antibiotics, including clindamycin, and mothers with postpartum infections can typically continue breastfeeding unless advised otherwise by the provider.
D. Initiate contact precautions. Contact precautions are not necessary unless the client has an identified or suspected infection that is transmissible by direct contact (e.g., MRSA). Standard precautions are sufficient for routine postpartum care and suspected endometritis.
E. Monitor the height and tone of the client’s fundus. The fundus is tender and was initially boggy, indicating risk for uterine atony or subinvolution. Monitoring tone and height helps detect complications such as hemorrhage or infection.
F. Instruct the client to wash her hands before and after changing her perineal pad. Hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection to the perineal area or incision and to promote general postpartum hygiene.
G. Encourage the client to maintain a semi-Fowler’s position to enhance uterine drainage. This position helps promote lochia drainage, reduce uterine pooling, and may help with comfort and resolution of infection by improving uterine drainage.