A quality control nurse is reviewing medication prescriptions for a group of clients. Which of the following medication prescriptions should the nurse identify as being complete?

Rationale:

A. Acrocyanosis: This is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet that is common in newborns during the first 24 to 48 hours after birth due to immature circulation. It is not a sign of sepsis.

B. Hypertension: Newborns with sepsis are more likely to present with hypotension due to systemic infection and poor perfusion. Hypertension is not typically associated with neonatal sepsis.

C. Rust-stained urine: This discoloration can occur in newborns from urate crystals in the first few days of life and is considered a normal finding, not an indicator of infection.

D. Retractions: Retractions indicate increased work of breathing and respiratory distress, which can occur in newborn sepsis due to systemic infection affecting respiratory function. This is a concerning finding that warrants prompt evaluation.

Rationale:

A. Pull the pinna of the infant's ear forward before inserting the probe: For infants, the pinna should be pulled down and back, not forward, to align the ear canal properly for accurate tympanic temperature measurement.

B. Insert the probe 3.8 cm (1.5 in) into the infant's rectum: Rectal insertion for infants should be limited to 2.5 cm (1 in) or less to avoid rectal perforation and injury. Inserting 3.8 cm is unsafe.

C. Place the tip of the thermometer under the center of the infant's axilla: Axillary temperature measurement is safe and commonly used in infants. Placing the tip in the center of the axilla and holding the arm snugly ensures accurate contact and reading.

D. Insert the oral thermometer in front of the infant's tongue: Infants cannot reliably hold a thermometer under their tongue, making oral measurement inaccurate and unsafe due to risk of swallowing or injury.