A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who just delivered a newborn weighing 4.5 kg (10 lb). Which of the following signs should the nurse recognize as a potential indication of hemorrhage?

Choice A rationale: A positive Coombs test indicates that the newborn has antibodies against his own red blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition can cause severe anemia and jaundice, which can lead to complications such as kernicterus if not treated promptly.

Choice B rationale: The newborn’s glucose level is within the normal range (40 to 60 mg/dL), so this finding does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice C rationale: The yellow color of the sclera indicates jaundice, which can be a sign of hyperbilirubinemia. This condition can lead to complications such as kernicterus if bilirubin levels become too high.

Choice D rationale: The absence of meconium stool in a 36-hour-old newborn is unusual, as most newborns pass meconium within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. This could indicate a problem such as meconium ileus or Hirschsprung disease, which would require further evaluation.

Choice E rationale: The head assessment finding of caput succedaneum is a common and typically harmless condition in newborns caused by pressure on the head during delivery. It does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice F rationale: The newborn’s heart rate is slightly elevated (normal range for a newborn is 120-160 beats per minute). This could be a response to factors such as fever, pain, or distress, and should be reported to the provider.

Choice G rationale: The newborn’s respiratory rate is also elevated (normal range for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute). This could be a sign of respiratory distress and should be reported to the provider.

Choice H rationale: Dry mucous membranes can be a sign of dehydration, which can occur if the newborn is not feeding well or is losing too much fluid, for example, through excessive sweating due to fever. This should be reported to the provider.

Choice A rationale
Uterine hypertonicity is not typically associated with placenta previa. Hypertonicity refers to an overly active uterus with contractions that are too strong, too long, or too close together.
Choice B rationale
Painless vaginal bleeding is a classic symptom of placenta previa. The bleeding is usually bright red and can be heavy.
Choice C rationale

Persistent headache is not a typical symptom of placenta previa. It is more commonly associated with conditions like preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Fetal distress is not a direct symptom of placenta previa, but it can occur if the placenta is not providing enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.