A nurse is preparing to perform a heel stick on a newborn who has a prescription for a total serum bilirubin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:
The McRoberts maneuver involves an obstetrician or other healthcare provider flexing the thighs of a pregnant person toward their abdomen. This maneuver helps to rotate the pelvis and open the sacrum to release the baby’s shoulder.
Choice B rationale:
Applying pressure on the client’s suprapubic area is not part of the McRoberts maneuver. However, when coupled with suprapubic pressure, the effectiveness of the McRoberts maneuver increases to 90%1.
Choice C rationale:
Moving the client onto their hands and knees is not part of the McRoberts maneuver. The maneuver involves pressing the client’s legs against their abdomen.
Choice D rationale:
Applying pressure to the client’s fundus is not part of the McRoberts maneuver. The maneuver involves pressing the client’s legs against their abdomen.

• Color: Consistent with genetic background

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: The newborn’s color being consistent with their genetic background indicates a normal adjustment and is not a sign of deterioration. This suggests improvement from the initial condition of acrocyanosis.

• Axillary Temperature: 36.3°C (97.4°F)

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: The axillary temperature is within the normal range (36.1°C to 37.2°C), which is a positive sign and suggests that the newborn is maintaining normal body temperature.

• Reflex Irritability: Cry

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: A good cry indicates normal reflex irritability and is a positive sign of neurological and overall well-being.

• Muscle Tone: Flaccid

  • Interpretation: C) Sign of potential worsening condition
  • Rationale: Flaccid muscle tone is concerning as it might indicate a worsening condition or potential neurological issues. It is less typical for muscle tone to be flaccid after the initial adjustment period.

• Respiration Effort: Good cry

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: A good cry indicates effective respiration and is a positive sign of the newborn’s respiratory status.

• Heart Rate: 140/min

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: The heart rate is within the normal range for newborns (120-160/min), indicating that the cardiovascular system is functioning properly.