Five days after a spontaneous vaginal delivery, a woman comes to the emergency room because she has a fever and persistent cramping. The nurse recognizes that the cause of these signs and symptoms may be:

The baby sleeps with the mother in bed. This is because sleeping with the baby in the same bed increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. The nurse should have assessed the mother’s sleeping arrangements for the baby and provided education on safe sleep practices before discharge. The nurse should advise the mother to place the baby on a firm surface, such as a crib or bassinet, in the same room but not in the same bed as the mother.

Choice B is wrong because having windows covered with screens is not a sign of inadequate home assessment. Screens can help prevent insects and other animals from entering the home and posing a health hazard.

Choice C is wrong because having a refrigerator in the kitchen is not a sign of inadequate home assessment. A refrigerator can help store food and breast milk safely and prevent spoilage and contamination.

Choice D is wrong because having a changing area for the baby is not a sign of inadequate home assessment. A changing area can help keep the baby clean and comfortable and prevent diaper rash and infection.

Injecting the medication into the vastus lateralis. This is because the vastus lateralis is a large muscle in the thigh that is suitable for intramuscular injections in newborns³. The vitamin K injection helps prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding, which is a rare but serious condition that can cause bleeding in the brain or other organs¹. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns receive a single intramuscular dose of 0.5 to 1 mg of vitamin K within one hour of birth².

Choice A is wrong because a 21 gauge needle is too large for a newborn's muscle. A 25 or 27 gauge needle is more appropriate.

Choice B is wrong because injecting at a 45-degree angle may not reach the muscle tissue. A 90-degree angle is more appropriate.

Choice C is wrong because injecting 1cc of medication is too much for a newborn's muscle. The recommended dose of vitamin K is 0.5 to 1 mg, which is equivalent to 0.05 to 0.1 mL.