A woman had spinal anesthesia for delivery. Now she complains of a pounding headache rated 7/10. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

The correct answer is c. Dehydration. A significantly indented anterior fontanelle in a newborn is most commonly a sign of dehydration.

Choice A reason:

Increased intracranial pressure: This statement is incorrect because increased intracranial pressure typically causes a bulging, not indented, fontanelle. Symptoms include irritability, vomiting, and a high-pitched cry.

Choice B reason:

Vernix caseosa: This statement is incorrect because vernix caseosa is a white, cheesy substance covering the skin of newborns, unrelated to fontanelle indentation. It serves as a protective layer for the baby’s skin.

Choice C reason:

Dehydration: This statement is correct. Dehydration in newborns can cause a sunken fontanelle due to the loss of fluid. Other signs include dry mouth, sunken eyes, and fewer wet diapers.

Choice D reason:

Cyanosis: This statement is incorrect because cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen, not related to fontanelle shape. It indicates issues with oxygenation or circulation.

Choice A reason:

This is incorrect because WIC does not provide immunizations for high-risk infants and children. Immunizations are provided by other health care services, which WIC may refer participants to.

Choice B reason:

This is incorrect because WIC does not screen for infants with developmental disorders. WIC provides nutrition education and referrals to other health and social services but does not diagnose or treat any medical conditions.

Choice C reason:

This is correct because WIC provides supplemental food supplies to low-income pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. The food packages are designed to meet the special nutritional needs of the participants and include items such as fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, cereal, bread, juice, peanut butter, eggs, and infant formula.

Choice D reason:

This is incorrect because WIC does not provide well-child examinations for infants and children living at the poverty level. WIC may refer participants to other health care services that provide such examinations but do not conduct them themselves.