A nurse is transporting a newborn to their parents from the nursery.
Which of the following actions should the nurse perform to confirm the newborn's identity?

Choice A rationale

During long trips, remaining stationary for extended periods can increase the risk of venous stasis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in pregnant individuals due to hypercoagulability and venous compression. Taking breaks and walking every hour promotes circulation, reducing the likelihood of clot formation and improving overall comfort and blood flow.

Choice B rationale

Positioning the lap belt across the navel is incorrect and can pose a significant risk to the fetus in the event of a sudden stop or collision. The lap belt should be positioned low across the bony pelvis, under the pregnant abdomen, to distribute forces safely across the mother's strong pelvic bones, protecting the uterus and fetus.

Choice C rationale

Moving the car seat forward, close to the steering wheel, is unsafe for a pregnant client. There should be adequate space, ideally at least 10 inches, between the sternum and the steering wheel to allow for airbag deployment without direct impact to the abdomen. This prevents potential injury to the pregnant uterus.

Choice D rationale

Wearing the shoulder harness snug across the stomach is incorrect and potentially harmful. The shoulder harness should be positioned snugly across the clavicle and between the breasts, extending across the center of the chest. It should never cross directly over the pregnant abdomen, as this could cause fetal injury during impact.

Choice A rationale

Late-preterm newborns, born between 34 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation, have immature physiological systems. Their underdeveloped thermoregulatory centers and reduced subcutaneous fat make them highly susceptible to heat loss, leading to thermal instability and hypothermia risk.

Choice B rationale

Leathery skin is characteristic of a post-term newborn, typically born at 42 weeks of gestation or beyond. This is due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid, resulting in desiccation, cracking, and peeling, a sign of post-maturity, not late-preterm status.

Choice C rationale

Late-preterm newborns are more prone to hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Their immature liver glycogen stores, increased metabolic demands, and inefficient gluconeogenesis make them vulnerable to low blood glucose levels, particularly during periods of stress or inadequate feeding.

Choice D rationale

An alert, wide-eyed appearance is more characteristic of a full-term or post-term newborn. Late-preterm newborns often exhibit less mature neurological development, appearing sleepier, less alert, and demonstrating weaker sucking reflexes due to their developmental immaturity.