A nurse is caring for a term newborn who is 48 hr old

Exhibits

The nurse assessing the newborn 24 hr later. How should the nurse interpret the findings?

For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is unrelated to the diagnosis, a sign of potential improvement, or a sign of potential worsening condition.

A. Three fetal movements perceived by the client in a 20-min testing period: Perceiving fetal movements during the testing period is a positive finding and indicative of fetal well-being.

B. 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: This is considered a reassuring result in an NST, showing an appropriate acceleration in the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement, which is a normal and positive finding.

C. Irregular contractions of 10 to 20 seconds in duration that are not felt by the client

During a nonstress test (NST), the presence of uterine contractions can sometimes interfere with the interpretation of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. If contractions occur but are not felt by the client, it can affect the accuracy of the test. Therefore, irregular contractions that are not felt by the client may prompt the need for further evaluation or testing to ensure accurate assessment of fetal well-being.

D. No late decelerations in the fetal heart rate noted with three uterine contractions of 60 seconds in duration within a 10-min testing period: Absence of late decelerations during uterine contractions is also a reassuring finding, indicating that the baby is tolerating the stress of contractions well.

In the context of a client at 32 weeks of gestation with complete placenta previa, the following assessment findings require immediate follow-up:

A. Fetal heart rate:

Explanation: An elevated fetal heart rate (174/min) may be indicative of fetal distress. This finding requires immediate follow-up to assess the well-being of the fetus.

F. Vaginal bleeding:

Explanation: A moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding is a concerning sign, especially in the context of complete placenta previa. It indicates active bleeding, and immediate follow-up is necessary to assess the severity of the situation and the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.

C & D. Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct):

Explanation: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important indicators of blood loss. Given the vaginal bleeding, these values need immediate follow-up to assess the extent of maternal blood loss and the potential need for blood transfusion.

The following assessment findings do not require immediate follow-up in the given context:

B. Fundal height:

Explanation: Fundal height (33cm) is typically measured to assess fetal growth. While it's important to monitor, it may not be an immediate concern unless there are other signs of fetal distress.

E. Platelet count:

Explanation: While platelet count is important, it may not require immediate follow-up unless there is evidence of severe bleeding and a potential risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In this scenario, attention to Hgb and Hct is more urgent.

G & H. White Blood Cell (WBC) count and Red Blood Cell (RBC) count:

Explanation: WBC count and RBC count may be monitored but do not require immediate follow-up unless there are signs of infection or other complications not evident in the given information.