After teaching a pregnant woman about the hormones produced by the placenta, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the woman identifies which hormone produced as being the basis for pregnancy tests?

Choice A reason:

Hypothermia is the priority area for this newborn because the axillary temperature of 95.8° F (35.4° C) is below the normal range of 97.7° F to 99.5° F (36.5° C to 37.5° C) for newborns1. Hypothermia can lead to complications such as hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and impaired oxygen delivery2. The nurse should initiate interventions to warm the newborn, such as skin-to-skin contact, radiant warmer, or swaddling2.

Choice B reason:

Deficient fluid volume is not the priority area for this newborn because the apical pulse of 114 beats per minute is within the normal range of 100 to 160 beats per minute for newborns345. A low pulse rate can indicate dehydration or shock in newborns2. The nurse should monitor the newborn's fluid intake and output, weight, and signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes, sunken fontanels, and poor skin turgor2.

Choice C reason:

Impaired gas exchange is not the priority area for this newborn because the respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute is within the normal range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute for newborns345. A high or low respiratory rate can indicate respiratory distress or failure in newborns2. The nurse should assess the newborn's breath sounds, chest movements, oxygen saturation, and signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis2.

Choice D reason:

Risk for infection is not the priority area for this newborn because there is no evidence of infection in the vital signs or the question stem. However, newborns are vulnerable to infection due to their immature immune systems and exposure to pathogens during birth and aftercare2. The nurse should follow infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, aseptic technique, and cord care, and educate the parents on how to prevent infection at home2.

Choice A reason:

Assisting the client on a bedpan to urinate is important for assessing urinary output and preventing bladder distension. However, in this situation, the priority is to assess and manage postpartum hemorrhage, which is indicated by the excessive bleeding.

Choice B reason:

Increasing the client's fluid intake is generally a good measure for promoting hydration and maintaining blood volume. However, it is not the priority in this scenario of excessive postpartum bleeding.

Choice C reason:

Palpating the client's uterine fundus is the priority nursing intervention at this time. The excessive bleeding indicated by saturating two perineal pads in a 30-minute period suggests postpartum hemorrhage, which can result from uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract adequately after childbirth). Palpating the fundus allows the nurse to assess if the uterus is firm or boggy, and if it is not contracting properly, immediate interventions can be initiated to control the bleeding.

Choice D reason:

Preparing to administer oxytocic medication (such as oxytocin) can help stimulate uterine contractions and prevent or manage postpartum hemorrhage. However, the priority is to first assess the uterine fundus and confirm the cause of the excessive bleeding before administering any medication.