A nurse is collecting data from a client who reports feeling stress. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an external stressor?

A) "Carry your newborn back to the nursery in your arm when you need to rest.": This statement is not recommended. Carrying the newborn around, especially when the mother is feeling fatigued or unwell, can increase the risk of accidental drops or falls. Newborns should be placed in a bassinet or crib, and if the mother needs to rest, she should use assistance to ensure the baby is safely secured in their sleeping area.

B) "Request that the nurses show their nursing license prior to removing your newborn from the room.": While it’s important to ensure that the staff is authorized to care for the newborn, it may not be practical or necessary to request to see a nursing license every time someone comes to take the baby. Instead, the hospital usually has strict protocols in place for identifying staff, and it is better to rely on the facility's established security measures to verify authorized personnel.

C) "Leave your newborn in the bassinet in your room while you use the bathroom.": This statement is not ideal because, while it may seem safer to leave the baby in the bassinet, the nurse should encourage the mother to keep the baby nearby or alert a nurse to assist if needed. It is safer to have the baby in a secure place or ask for help to avoid the risk of falls or accidents while the mother is not attending to the baby.

D) "Alert the staff if any of your newborn's identification bands are missing.": This is the correct and most important instruction. Newborns should always be closely monitored to prevent abductions or mix-ups, and the identification bands are critical for verifying the baby's identity. If any identification bands are missing, it is essential to notify the staff immediately to ensure the newborn’s safety and prevent any potential security risks.

A) Ensuring that creases in the stockings on the front of the client's legs:
This action requires intervention. The stockings should be applied smoothly and without any wrinkles or creases, as these can cause pressure points that may lead to skin irritation, impaired circulation, or discomfort for the client. The nurse should ensure that the assistive personnel applies the stockings correctly and without any creases to prevent these issues.

B) Applying the stockings before the client gets out of bed:
This is an appropriate action. Antiembolic stockings should be applied while the client is in a resting position, preferably before getting out of bed, to prevent venous stasis and improve circulation. Applying them while the client is lying down allows for proper fitting and ensures the stockings are worn during periods of immobility.

C) Asking the client to point their toes before applying the stockings:
This is an acceptable action. Asking the client to point their toes helps to stretch and align the legs for proper stocking application, making it easier to apply the stockings without causing discomfort. It is a good practice to ensure the stockings are applied properly while the client's feet and legs are positioned correctly.

D) Turning the stockings inside out before applying them:
This is a correct action. Turning the stockings inside out can help to prevent the stockings from rolling or bunching during application. It also allows the assistive personnel to place them on the client more easily and ensures a proper fit. The stockings should be turned right-side out after being applied to the legs.