A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 12 hr postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason:

This is a normal WBC for a newborn. According to MedlinePlus, the normal amount of white blood cells (WBCs) found in the bloodstream of a newborn infant is between 4,500 and 10,000 per microliter of blood. The reference ranges for WBC count established by Mayo Medical Laboratories for infants from birth to 2 years are as follows:.

• Birth: 9.0 to 30.0 x 10 9 /L.

• 1 to 7 days: 9.4 to 34.0 x 10 9 /L.

• 8 to 14 days: 5.0 to 21.0 x 10 9 /L.

• 15 days to 1 month: 5.0 to 20.0 x 10 9 /L.

• 2 to 5 months: 5.0 to 15.0 x 10 9 /L. Therefore, a newborn's WBC of 15,000 is within the normal range and does not indicate any problem.

Choice B reason:

You must call the doctor. This is not a correct answer because there is no need to call the doctor for a normal WBC in a newborn. Calling the doctor unnecessarily may cause anxiety and a waste of time and resources.

Choice C reason:

This indicates a severe infection. This is not a correct answer because a WBC of 15,000 does not necessarily indicate a severe infection in a newborn. A high WBC, also called leukocytosis, may be related to infection, but it can also be caused by other factors such as stress, inflammation, trauma, medication, or blood disorders. Moreover, the type and severity of infection can be better assessed by looking at the differential count of the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes) and other signs and symptoms.

Choice D reason:

This is a lab error. This is not a correct answer because a WBC of 15,000 is not likely to be a lab error in a newborn. Lab errors can occur due to improper collection, handling, or analysis of blood samples, but they are rare and usually detected by quality control measures. A WBC of 15,000 is within the normal range for a newborn and does not require repeating the test unless there is a strong suspicion of an error or an inconsistency with other results or clinical findings.

Choice A:

Document fundal height. This is a correct action because the nurse should monitor the involution of the uterus by measuring the fundal height and comparing it to the expected level. The fundus should descend about one fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day after delivery and be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth.

Choice B:

Observe the lochia during palpation of the fundus. This is a correct action because the nurse should assess the amount, color, and consistency of the lochia (vaginal discharge) during the fundal massage. The lochia should change from rubra (red) to serosa (pink) to alba (white) over time and not increase in amount or revert to a previous stage.

Choice C:

Massage a firm fundus. This is an incorrect action because a firm fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and involution. Massaging a firm fundus can cause discomfort and bleeding for the client. The nurse should only massage a boggy (soft) fundus to stimulate contraction and prevent hemorrhage.

Choice D:

Determine whether the fundus is midline. This is a correct action because the nurse should check if the fundus is deviated to either side, which may indicate a full bladder. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding or infection. The nurse should assist the client to void if the fundus is not midline.

Choice E:

Administer terbutaline if the fundus is boggy. This is an incorrect action because terbutaline is a tocolytic drug that relaxes the uterine muscle and inhibits contractions. It is used to stop preterm labor, not to treat postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should administer oxytocin or other uterotonic drugs if the fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage.