A nurse manager in a newborn nursery is reviewing infection control procedures with a group of newly hired nurses. Which of the following instructions should the nurse manager include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Allowing parents to enter the nursery while wearing masks may be a preventive measure for some situations, but it is not a standard infection control procedure in a newborn nursery.

Choice B rationale:

Airborne precautions are not required for routine infection control in a newborn nursery. They are typically reserved for specific airborne-transmitted infections.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the newborn's foot on a sterile field during a heel stick is a procedure to maintain sterile technique but is not a general infection control instruction for the nursery.

Choice D rationale:

Placing newborn bassinets at least 3 feet apart is a crucial infection control measure in a newborn nursery. It helps prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infections among newborns. Proper spacing allows for better airflow and reduces the risk of contact transmission between infants.

Choice A rationale:

Requesting that the provider insert an intrauterine pressure catheter is not the immediate action the nurse should take when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. The priority is to relieve pressure on the cord and improve fetal oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

Exerting continuous upward pressure on the presenting part is the correct action when the nurse palpates the umbilical cord during a vaginal examination. This manoeuvre is called "vaginal elevation,”. helps lift the presenting part off the umbilical cord, reducing the risk of cord compression and fetal distress until the provider can take further action.

Choice C rationale:

Initiating oxytocin via continuous IV infusion is not appropriate when the umbilical cord is palpated during a vaginal examination. Oxytocin can cause uterine contractions, potentially further compromising the cord and fetus.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in the left-lateral position is not the best immediate action for cord palpation. While the left-lateral position is useful for relieving pressure on the vena cava in cases of supine hypotensive syndrome, the priority here is to relieve cord compression, and upward pressure on the presenting part is more effective.