“A nurse is caring for a patient who is at 37 weeks of gestation and is being tested for Group B Streptococcus (GBS). The patient is multigravida and multipara with no history of GBS.

She asks the nurse why the test was not conducted earlier in her pregnancy. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?”

Choice A rationale
Pale, translucent skin is not typically a characteristic of a postterm newborn. Postterm newborns often have dry, peeling, loose skin.
Choice B rationale
Large deposits of subcutaneous fat are not usually seen in postterm newborns. In fact, these babies may appear abnormally thin, especially if the function of the placenta was severely reduced near the end of the pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Nails extending over the tips of the fingers is indeed a common characteristic of postterm newborns. This is because the baby has had more time to grow in the womb.
Choice D rationale
A thin covering of fine hair on the shoulders and back is not typically seen in postterm newborns. This characteristic is more commonly associated with preterm babies.

Choice A rationale
Informing the client that the law requires them to name the fetus is not accurate. Laws vary by location, but most do not require parents to name a stillborn fetus. It is important to provide accurate information and support the parents in their decisions during this difficult time.
Choice B rationale
Limiting the amount of time the fetus is in the client’s room is not necessarily beneficial. Each family will have different needs and preferences when it comes to spending time with their stillborn baby. Some families may find comfort in holding and spending time with their baby, while others may prefer not to. The nurse should support the family’s decisions and provide compassionate care.
Choice C rationale
Instructing the client that an autopsy should be performed within 24 hours is not necessarily beneficial. The decision to perform an autopsy will depend on a variety of factors, including the parents’ wishes, the circumstances of the stillbirth, and local laws and regulations. It is important to provide the parents with information and support them in making this decision.
Choice D rationale
Providing the client with photos of the fetus can be a helpful part of the grieving process for some families. It allows them to remember their baby and can be a tangible reminder of the baby’s existence. However, this should be done based on the family’s wishes.