A nurse is reinforcing instructions about car-seat use with the parents of a newborn who is preparing for discharge. Which of the following Instructions should the nurse include?

Rationale:
• Urinary stasis: Immobility slows bladder emptying and ureteral flow, increasing residual urine. This promotes bacterial growth and risk of urinary tract infection. MS clients with decreased mobility are especially vulnerable.

• Calcium resorption: Bone demineralization occurs during prolonged immobility. Without weight-bearing, calcium is released from bone into the bloodstream, raising serum calcium and weakening bones.

• Contractures: Lack of movement leads to shortening and stiffening of muscles and joints. Over time, joints lose flexibility, especially if the client remains curled in one position.

• Hypocalcemia: The client is more likely to develop hypercalcemia due to calcium resorption from bones. There's no evidence of low calcium symptoms like tetany or numbness.

• Hypertension: The client's vital signs are within normal range. Immobility may reduce cardiac output over time, but it does not typically cause high blood pressure.

• Diarrhea: Immobility usually causes constipation due to slowed peristalsis. There's no report of active GI symptoms or triggers for diarrhea in this case.

• Pressure ulcer: Continuous pressure on one area reduces capillary blood flow. This leads to tissue ischemia and skin breakdown, especially over bony prominences like the hip and shoulder.

• Atelectasis: Lying on one side restricts lung expansion, and refusal to change positions impairs ventilation. This can cause alveolar collapse and decreased oxygen exchange.

Rationale:

A. Chromosomal abnormalities: Amniocentesis involves analyzing amniotic fluid to detect genetic and chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects. It is typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation for diagnostic accuracy during this stage of fetal development.

B. Placental circulation: Assessment of placental blood flow and circulation is usually done via Doppler ultrasound, not amniocentesis. Amniocentesis does not evaluate the vascular function or perfusion status of the placenta.

C. Rh incompatibility: While amniocentesis may reveal fetal anemia due to Rh sensitization in rare cases, it is not the primary test used for diagnosing Rh incompatibility. Blood antibody screening and Doppler assessment of the middle cerebral artery are preferred for Rh-related concerns.

D. Fetal breathing movements: Fetal breathing is assessed through a biophysical profile or real-time ultrasound, not via amniotic fluid sampling. Amniocentesis does not provide information about the fetus’s respiratory activity or movement patterns.