A nurse is collecting data from a newborn who weighs 5,160 g (11 lb, 6 oz) and whose mother has diabetes mellitus. For which of the following data should the nurse monitor?

Choice A rationale:

Abdominal pain with minimal red vaginal bleeding may not be as concerning as other options. While it could be a sign of placenta previa, it is not as specific or significant as the finding in Choice B.

Choice B rationale:

A large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without pain is a significant finding that is highly suggestive of placenta previa. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, and vaginal bleeding is a common symptom. The bright red colour indicates active bleeding, and the absence of pain is noteworthy as placenta previa bleeding is typically painless.

Choice C rationale:

Severe abdominal pain with increasing fundal height is not a typical sign of placenta previa. While abdominal pain can be associated with various pregnancy complications, it is not a specific finding for this condition.

Choice D rationale:

Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus could be related to other issues, such as preterm labor or cervical changes. While bleeding may be present in placenta previa, the pain and passage of mucus are not characteristic features of this condition.

Choice A rationale:
Severe nausea and vomiting are not indicative of an ectopic pregnancy. While nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in early pregnancy, they are not specific to ectopic pregnancies. These symptoms are more likely associated with typical pregnancy changes.

Choice B rationale:
Pelvic pain is a crucial finding that the nurse should expect in a possible ectopic pregnancy. As the pregnancy implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, it can cause sharp and severe pain in the pelvic region. This pain may be unilateral and can be accompanied by shoulder pain due to blood or fluid irritating the diaphragm.

Choice C rationale:
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not likely in an ectopic pregnancy. In fact, uterine enlargement may not be noticeable at all in an ectopic pregnancy since the embryo is not developing in the uterus.

Choice D rationale:
Copious vaginal bleeding is more commonly associated with miscarriages or other complications in intrauterine pregnancies. In an ectopic pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may occur, but it is typically lighter and often described as spotting.