A nurse is preparing to administer an opioid analgesic to a client who is in active labor.Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale

A respiratory rate of 34/min is within the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 30 to 60 breaths per minute. This does not indicate immediate distress.

Choice B rationale

Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is common in newborns and usually resolves within the first few days of life. It is not a sign of critical illness.

Choice C rationale

Caput succedaneum, a swelling of the soft tissues of the newborn's scalp, is a common and benign condition that resolves on its own within a few days. It does not require immediate medical attention.

Choice D rationale

An axillary temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) is considered low and may indicate hypothermia in a newborn. Hypothermia can lead to serious complications, so this newborn requires immediate assessment and intervention to stabilize their body temperature.

Choice A rationale

Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression, not placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervical os, but it does not typically cause variable decelerations on fetal monitoring.

Choice B rationale

Painless vaginal bleeding is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. This occurs because the placenta is located near or over the cervical os, leading to bleeding when the cervix dilates or effaces.

Choice C rationale

A rigid abdomen is more indicative of placental abruption, where the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall, causing pain and a tense abdomen, not typically seen in placenta previa.

Choice D rationale

Uterine tachysystole is characterized by excessive uterine contractions and is not a clinical finding related to placenta previa. Tachysystole often results from excessive oxytocin use or other uterine stimulants.