A nurse is reinforcing teaching about formula feeding to a group of parents of newborns.

Which of the following statements by one of the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

The correct answer is Choice D: Contraction lasting 85 seconds.

Choice A rationale: A contraction resting period of 35 seconds is normal and expected during labor. The resting period allows the uterine muscle to relax and replenish its oxygen supply, which is essential for fetal well-being. The resting period also gives the client a chance to rest and cope with the pain of labor. A normal resting period ranges from 30 to 90 seconds, depending on the stage and phase of labor¹².

Choice B rationale: A heart rate of 100/min for a 10-min period is within the normal range for an adult. The normal resting heart rate for an adult is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm)³. During labor, the heart rate may increase due to factors such as pain, anxiety, dehydration, fever, or infection. However, a heart rate of 100/min is not considered a sign of distress or complication, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations⁴⁵.

Choice C rationale: Four contractions in a 10-min period is a normal frequency for labor contractions. The frequency of contractions refers to how often they occur, measured from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. The normal frequency of contractions varies depending on the stage and phase of labor, but generally ranges from two to five contractions in 10 minutes¹².

Choice D rationale: A contraction lasting 85 seconds is too long and should be reported to the provider. The duration of contractions refers to how long they last, measured from the beginning to the end of one contraction. The normal duration of contractions ranges from 30 to 70 seconds, depending on the stage and phase of labor¹². A contraction lasting longer than 90 seconds is considered a prolonged contraction, which can reduce the blood flow and oxygen supply to the placenta and the fetus, leading to fetal hypoxia and acidosis. Prolonged contractions can also cause uterine rupture, placental abruption, or maternal hemorrhage .

Choice A rationale:
Newborns who are small for gestational age (SGA) are not at risk of having decreased circulating red blood cells (RBCs).
Choice B rationale:
Blood glucose instability is a common finding in SGA newborns.
Choice C rationale:
Retinopathy is not typically associated with being small for gestational age in newborns.
Choice D rationale:
A well-rounded abdomen is not specifically associated with being small for gestational age. SGA newborns often have a smaller body size compared to their gestational age, and their abdomen may appear proportionally smaller.