A nurse on the postpartum unit is caring for four patients.
For which of the following patients should the nurse notify the provider?

Choice A rationale: A positive Coombs test indicates that the newborn has antibodies against his own red blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition can cause severe anemia and jaundice, which can lead to complications such as kernicterus if not treated promptly.

Choice B rationale: The newborn’s glucose level is within the normal range (40 to 60 mg/dL), so this finding does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice C rationale: The yellow color of the sclera indicates jaundice, which can be a sign of hyperbilirubinemia. This condition can lead to complications such as kernicterus if bilirubin levels become too high.

Choice D rationale: The absence of meconium stool in a 36-hour-old newborn is unusual, as most newborns pass meconium within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. This could indicate a problem such as meconium ileus or Hirschsprung disease, which would require further evaluation.

Choice E rationale: The head assessment finding of caput succedaneum is a common and typically harmless condition in newborns caused by pressure on the head during delivery. It does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice F rationale: The newborn’s heart rate is slightly elevated (normal range for a newborn is 120-160 beats per minute). This could be a response to factors such as fever, pain, or distress, and should be reported to the provider.

Choice G rationale: The newborn’s respiratory rate is also elevated (normal range for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute). This could be a sign of respiratory distress and should be reported to the provider.

Choice H rationale: Dry mucous membranes can be a sign of dehydration, which can occur if the newborn is not feeding well or is losing too much fluid, for example, through excessive sweating due to fever. This should be reported to the provider.

Choice A rationale
A urinary output of 300 ml in 8 hours is within the normal range for a postpartum patient. The average urinary output is about 30 ml/hour.
Choice B rationale
Lochia rubra is a normal finding in the immediate postpartum period. It is the initial vaginal discharge after childbirth, which is red because it contains a large amount of blood. Changing perineal pads every 3 hours is considered normal.
Choice C rationale

A patient who is receiving magnesium sulfate and has absent deep tendon reflexes is experiencing magnesium toxicity. This is a serious condition that can lead to respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. The healthcare provider should be notified immediately.
Choice D rationale
Abdominal cramping during breastfeeding is a normal finding. During breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is released which can cause uterine contractions and lead to cramping.