A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about home safety with a client who is postpartum. In which of the following positions should the nurse instruct the client to place their newborn in the crib?

(a) Pedal edema
Pedal edema, or swelling of the feet and ankles, is a common finding during pregnancy due to increased fluid retention and pressure on the lower extremities from the growing uterus. While pedal edema should be monitored, it is not typically a concerning finding unless it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms suggestive of preeclampsia.

(b) BP of 132/84 mm Hg
A blood pressure of 132/84 mm Hg is within the normal range for pregnancy. However, if the client's blood pressure continues to increase or is accompanied by other symptoms of hypertension, such as proteinuria or headaches, it may warrant further evaluation.

(c) Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Weight gain during pregnancy is expected and can vary from person to person and from week to week. A weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) over the course of a month is within the normal range for pregnancy and may not require immediate reporting to the provider unless there are other concerning symptoms.

(d) Double vision
Double vision (diplopia) can be a symptom of several conditions, including preeclampsia, which is a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. Double vision can also be caused by other neurological or ophthalmologic conditions. Given its potential association with preeclampsia and other serious conditions, the nurse should promptly report double vision to the provider for further evaluation and management.

(A) Ask a parent to state the newborn's date of birth:
While asking a parent to state the newborn's date of birth may seem like a reasonable step, it relies on the parent's memory and verbal confirmation, which may not always be accurate. It's possible for a parent to forget or provide incorrect information, leading to potential identification errors.

(B) Check the newborn's footprint sheet with the medical record:
Footprint identification is a common practice in hospitals, but it may not always be feasible or practical during routine newborn transport to parents. Additionally, relying solely on footprints for identification may not be as reliable as comparing identification bands, as footprints can smudge or be difficult to match accurately.

(C) Request a parent to verify the newborn's name:
Asking a parent to verify the newborn's name relies on verbal confirmation, similar to option A. While it may provide some level of reassurance, it is not as reliable as comparing identification bands to confirm identity. Additionally, newborns may not yet have been formally named at the time of transport.

(D) Compare numbers on the newborn's band to the parent's band:
Comparing the identification numbers on the newborn's identification band with those on the parent's identification band is the most reliable method to confirm the newborn's identity. This process ensures that the newborn is matched with the correct parent(s) before handing over the infant. It helps prevent instances of newborn mix-up or abduction.