Exhibits

The nurse is assisting in the initiation of phototherapy. For each nursing action, specify if the action is indicated or not indicated for the newborn.

 

Choice B rationale

A Group B Streptococcus (GBS) culture is routinely performed between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. This is a screening test to determine if the client is colonized with the bacteria in the vagina or rectum. Positive status indicates the need for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent transmission of GBS to the newborn, which can cause severe neonatal infection.

Choice C rationale

A clean-catch urine specimen is typically collected at the initial prenatal visit to screen for asymptomatic bacteriuria, which can lead to pyelonephritis if untreated. It is not usually performed every two months. Subsequent urinalysis is often done with every prenatal visit to check for protein, glucose, and ketones, which indicate other potential complications.

Choice D rationale

The maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening is a blood test to check for the risk of neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities. This test is typically offered between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation, with the optimal time being 16 to 18 weeks, not at 6 weeks. Fetal protein production is insufficient for reliable screening at 6 weeks.

Choice A rationale

A screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is generally performed much later in pregnancy, specifically between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. An earlier screening (e.g., at 12 weeks) is reserved only for clients identified as having significant risk factors (e.g., obesity, family history, previous GDM). The standard screening is the 1-hour glucose challenge test.

Choice A rationale

A BP of 105/62 mm Hg is within the expected normal range for a postpartum adolescent client. A typical normotensive range is 90-140 mm Hg systolic and 60-90 mm Hg diastolic. Opioids like morphine can cause mild hypotension, but this reading doesn't indicate an immediate, life-threatening crisis.

Choice B rationale

A respiratory rate of 11/min is the priority because it signifies respiratory depression, a life-threatening, dose-related adverse effect of opioid analgesics like morphine. The normal respiratory rate for an adolescent is 12-20 breaths/min. Rates ≤ 12/min require immediate intervention, including potential administration of an opioid antagonist like naloxone.

Choice C rationale

Urinary retention is a common side effect of opioid administration due to increased bladder sphincter tone and reduced detrusor muscle contractility. While uncomfortable and potentially leading to urinary tract infection or bladder damage, it is less acute and life-threatening than respiratory depression.

Choice D rationale

Blurred vision can be an uncommon side effect of morphine, possibly due to miosis (pupil constriction) or minor changes in intraocular pressure. This finding requires further assessment but is a non-life-threatening adverse effect and does not pose the immediate threat of respiratory depression.