A nurse is providing teaching to a postpartum client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is breastfeeding her newborn. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client?

Choice A rationale:

Measuring the abdominal circumference at the level of the newborn's umbilicus every 12 hr is a critical action in this scenario. The newborn has necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal condition, and measuring abdominal circumference can help monitor for changes in abdominal distention, which is a sign of NEC progression.

Choice B rationale:

Inserting an orogastric decompression tube with low wall suction may not be the most appropriate action for a newborn with NEC. While decompression tubes can be used in some cases of NEC, their insertion should be guided by specific clinical indications, and not all cases require them.

Choice C rationale:

Providing the newborn with an iron-rich formula containing vitamin B12 every 2 hr is not indicated for NEC. NEC requires specialized medical management and treatment, which may include bowel rest and other interventions, but providing iron-rich formula is not one of them.

Choice D rationale:

Administering nitric oxide inhalation therapy is not relevant to the management of NEC. Nitric oxide inhalation therapy is used for respiratory conditions, particularly persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and does not address the gastrointestinal issues seen in NEC.

Choice A rationale:

Newborn weight of 2.948 kg (6 lb 8 oz) does not place the client at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Newborn weight is not directly related to the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the mother.

Choice B rationale:

History of uterine atony places the client at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage and refers to the inability of the uterus to contract effectively after childbirth, leading to excessive bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Labor induction with oxytocin places the client at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Oxytocin is commonly used to induce labor or augment contractions, but it can cause uterine hyperstimulation, leading to increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice D rationale:

History of human papillomavirus (HPV) does not place the client at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection and does not have a direct connection to the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice E rationale:

Vacuum-assisted delivery places the client at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Vacuum assisted delivery involves using a vacuum device to assist in the baby's delivery, and it can cause trauma to the birth canal, leading to increased bleeding risk in the mother.