A nurse is updating the plan of care for a newborn who is undergoing phototherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

Choice A:

Document fundal height. This is a correct action because the nurse should monitor the involution of the uterus by measuring the fundal height and comparing it to the expected level. The fundus should descend about one fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day after delivery and be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth.

Choice B:

Observe the lochia during palpation of the fundus. This is a correct action because the nurse should assess the amount, color, and consistency of the lochia (vaginal discharge) during the fundal massage. The lochia should change from rubra (red) to serosa (pink) to alba (white) over time and not increase in amount or revert to a previous stage.

Choice C:

Massage a firm fundus. This is an incorrect action because a firm fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and involution. Massaging a firm fundus can cause discomfort and bleeding for the client. The nurse should only massage a boggy (soft) fundus to stimulate contraction and prevent hemorrhage.

Choice D:

Determine whether the fundus is midline. This is a correct action because the nurse should check if the fundus is deviated to either side, which may indicate a full bladder. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding or infection. The nurse should assist the client to void if the fundus is not midline.

Choice E:

Administer terbutaline if the fundus is boggy. This is an incorrect action because terbutaline is a tocolytic drug that relaxes the uterine muscle and inhibits contractions. It is used to stop preterm labor, not to treat postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should administer oxytocin or other uterotonic drugs if the fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage.

Choice A reason:

Attachment phase is not one of Rubin's phases of role attachment. Rubin's theory of maternal role adaptation describes three stages that the mother goes through during the postpartum period: taking in, taking hold and letting go.

Choice B reason:

Letting go phase is the last stage of Rubin's theory of role attachment. It occurs when the mother accepts her new role and gives up her old roles. She also comes to terms with the reality of the birthing experience and the characteristics of her baby.

Choice C reason:

Taking hold phase is the second stage of Rubin's theory of role attachment. It occurs when the mother becomes interested in caring for the infant and learning about her baby and herself. She may be critical about her care-giving abilities and need positive reinforcement.

Choice D reason:

Taking in phase is the first stage of Rubin's theory of role attachment. It occurs right after the birth of the child, when the mother is passive and focused on her own needs, especially sleeping and eating. She may have limited interactions with her infant and prefer to talk about her experiences during labor, birth, and pregnancy. This matches the description of the new mother in the question, so this is the correct answer.