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?

A. Human placental lactogen (hPL) is a hormone produced by the placenta that helps regulate the metabolism of the mother and fetus, but it is not used as the basis for pregnancy tests. It plays a role in modulating the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to facilitate the energy supply of the fetus.

B. Estrogen (estriol) is another hormone produced by the placenta, which is important for maintaining pregnancy and preparing the body for childbirth. However, it is not the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. Estriol levels increase significantly during pregnancy but are not used as a marker for pregnancy tests.

C. Progesterone (progestin) is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting early pregnancy. While it is essential for a successful pregnancy, it is not the hormone that pregnancy tests detect. Progesterone helps prevent uterine contractions and supports the endometrium.

D. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. It is produced by the placenta shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. The presence of hCG in the blood or urine is a reliable indicator of pregnancy, which is why it is the basis for pregnancy tests.

Choice A reason:

Basal metabolic rate reduction. This is incorrect because a newborn under a radiant heat warmer will have an increased basal metabolic rate, not a reduced one. The basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy the body uses at rest, and it is influenced by temperature. A warmer environment will stimulate the newborn's metabolism and increase the energy expenditure. • Choice B reason:

Brown fat production. This is incorrect because a newborn under a radiant heat warmer will have less need for brown fat production, not more. Brown fat is a type of fat tissue that generates heat by burning calories. It is found in newborns and helps them maintain their body temperature in cold environments. A warmer environment will reduce the need for brown fat activation. • Choice C reason:

Shivering. This is incorrect because a newborn under a radiant heat warmer will not shiver, but shivering is not the main mechanism of heat production in newborns. Shivering is an involuntary contraction of muscles that generates heat by increasing metabolism. Newborns have limited ability to shiver because of their immature nervous system and low muscle mass. They rely more on brown fat and increased metabolic rate to produce heat. • Choice D reason:

Cold stress. This is correct because a newborn under a radiant heat warmer will prevent cold stress, which is a condition where the newborn's body temperature drops below normal and causes adverse effects. Cold stress can impair oxygen delivery, increase acidosis, decrease blood glucose, and increase the risk of infection and bleeding. A radiant heat warmer provides a neutral thermal environment for the newborn and prevents heat loss by radiation.

: 1 : 2 : 3 : 4.