Exhibits

A nurse is assisting in the care of a newborn. Which of the following should be included in the electronic medical record (EMR)? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale: Weight is a crucial anthropometric measurement for evaluating a newborn's physical development, nutritional status, and overall health. It is typically recorded in grams or kilograms immediately after birth and monitored regularly. Normal birth weight is generally between 2,500 grams (5 lbs 8 oz) and 4,000 grams (8 lbs 13 oz). Deviations from this range, such as low birth weight, necessitate closer monitoring and specialized care.

Choice B rationale: The type of birth, whether vaginal, operative vaginal (e.g., forceps or vacuum assisted), or cesarean section, is a vital piece of obstetric history. This information is critical as it highlights potential risks the neonate may have encountered, such as transient tachypnea of the newborn following a C-section or trauma associated with a complicated vaginal delivery, and informs future care decisions.

Choice C rationale: The Apgar scores are a rapid, standardized assessment of five physiologic signs (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) used to evaluate a newborn's transition to extrauterine life. Scores are recorded at one and five minutes after birth. A score between 7 and 10 is considered normal and reassuring, while lower scores indicate the need for immediate intervention and closer observation.

Choice D rationale: Gestational age, typically determined by the last menstrual period and validated by a physical assessment (e.g., Ballard Scale), is essential for classifying the neonate as preterm, full-term, or post-term. It directly correlates with the maturity of organ systems, including the lungs and brain, and dictates the expected range of normal findings and potential risk for specific complications like hyperbilirubinemia or respiratory distress syndrome.

Choice E rationale: The heart rate is a fundamental vital sign, reflecting cardiovascular stability and is a key component of the Apgar score. Normal range for a newborn is typically 110 to 160 beats per minute. A sustained heart rate outside this range, either bradycardia or tachycardia, can signal distress, hypoxia, infection, or other underlying pathology, requiring immediate clinical investigation and intervention.

Choice F rationale: Length (or Crown-Heel length) is an important anthropometric measure recorded alongside weight and head circumference. It helps assess the newborn's growth potential and identify potential intrauterine growth restriction or genetic syndromes when plotted on standardized growth charts. Normal full-term length is generally between 45 and 55 centimeters (17.7 to 21.7 inches).

Choice A rationale: A fundal height of 27 cm at 21 weeks gestation exceeds the expected range. Normally, fundal height in centimeters should approximate gestational age between 20 and 36 weeks, with a ±2 cm margin. At 21 weeks, a fundal height of 19–23 cm is acceptable. A measurement of 27 cm suggests possible fetal macrosomia, polyhydramnios, or gestational diabetes, especially in a client with elevated glucose levels and obesity. This warrants follow-up.

Choice B rationale: Fetal heart tones of 145/min fall within the normal range of 110 to 160 beats per minute. This rate reflects appropriate fetal autonomic regulation and oxygenation. Variability in fetal heart rate is expected and indicates a healthy intrauterine environment. No arrhythmia or bradycardia is present. Therefore, this finding does not require follow-up and supports normal fetal well-being at this gestational age.

Choice C rationale: A 1-hour glucose level of 220 mg/dL following a 100-g oral glucose load exceeds the threshold of less than 180 mg/dL. This result indicates impaired glucose tolerance and supports the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM increases risks for fetal macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Follow-up is required to initiate dietary management, glucose monitoring, and possibly pharmacologic therapy to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

Choice D rationale: A 3-hour glucose level of 142 mg/dL exceeds the normal range of 70 to 115 mg/dL. This result confirms abnormal glucose metabolism and supports the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The 3-hour value reflects delayed glucose clearance and persistent hyperglycemia. This finding, in conjunction with other elevated values, meets criteria for GDM and necessitates follow-up for glycemic control, nutritional counseling, and fetal surveillance to mitigate adverse outcomes.

Choice E rationale: A blood pressure of 140/88 mm Hg meets the threshold for gestational hypertension, defined as systolic ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg after 20 weeks gestation. Although the client denies symptoms of preeclampsia, such as headache or visual changes, her history of chronic hypertension and obesity increases risk. Continued monitoring and possible adjustment of antihypertensive therapy are warranted to prevent progression to preeclampsia or eclampsia.

Choice F rationale: Denial of headaches, visual disturbances, and epigastric pain suggests absence of preeclampsia symptoms. These symptoms reflect end-organ involvement and vasospasm in severe hypertensive disorders. Their absence supports stable maternal status. However, clinical vigilance remains important due to the client’s elevated blood pressure and risk factors. At this time, no follow-up is required solely based on symptom denial.