A nurse is caring for a newborn who was born at 37 weeks of gestation and is 12 hours old.

Exhibits

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the newborn is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the newborn's progress.

The correct answer is choice D. Announcement of the delivery.

Choice A reason:

Support thermoregulation is a priority in nursing care of the newborn immediately after birth. Newborns are at risk of hypothermia because they have a large surface area to body mass ratio, thin skin, and limited subcutaneous fat. To prevent heat loss, newborns should be dried thoroughly, placed skin-to-skin with the mother, and covered with warm blankets.

Choice B reason:

Identifying the infant is a priority nursing care of the newborn immediately after birth. Newborns should be identified with identification bands that match those of the mother and father or significant other. This helps prevent errors in infant identification and ensures safety and security.

Choice C reason:

Promoting normal respirations is a priority nursing care of the newborn immediately after birth. Newborns need to establish effective breathing patterns to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent complications such as respiratory distress syndrome or meconium aspiration syndrome. To promote normal respirations, newborns should be suctioned gently to clear the airway, stimulated to cry, and assessed for signs of distress.

Choice D reason:

Announcement of the delivery is not a priority in nursing care of the newborn immediately after birth. While it may be a joyful moment for the parents and family, it does not affect the health and well-being of the newborn. Therefore, it can be done later after the essential newborn care has been completed.

Assist the client to turn onto her side. This is the correct answer because turning the client onto her side can improve blood flow to the placenta and increase fetal oxygenation. Hypotension is a common cause of decreased uteroplacental perfusion, which can lead to fetal distress and late decelerations on the fetal monitor. The nurse should also administer oxygen, increase IV fluids, and notify the provider. • Choice B reason:

Prepare for an immediate vaginal delivery. This is not the correct answer because there is no indication that the client is ready for delivery. The client has 6 cm of cervical dilation, which means she is still in the active phase of labor. The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) and ends with delivery of the baby. Preparing for an immediate vaginal delivery would not address the cause of hypotension or improve fetal oxygenation. • Choice C reason:

Prepare for a cesarean birth. This is not the correct answer because there is no indication that the client needs a cesarean birth. A cesarean birth may be indicated if there are signs of fetal compromise, such as severe variable or late decelerations, or maternal complications, such as placenta previa or cord prolapse. However, these conditions are not present in this scenario. Preparing for a cesarean birth would not address the cause of hypotension or improve fetal oxygenation. • Choice D reason:

Assist the client to an upright position. This is not the correct answer because placing the client in an upright position can worsen hypotension and decrease uteroplacental perfusion. An upright position can increase pressure on the inferior vena cava and reduce venous return to the heart. This can lower cardiac output.