“A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for a patient who is at 20 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?”

Choice A rationale
Avoiding performing sterile vaginal examinations does not directly address the issue of uterine atony and excessive bleeding. While limiting vaginal examinations can reduce the risk of infection, it does not treat uterine atony.
Choice B rationale
Administering betamethasone IM is not the appropriate action. Betamethasone is a steroid medication that is often given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm birth to help mature the baby’s lungs. It does not treat uterine atony or excessive bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a specimen for a Kleihauer-Betke test is not the appropriate action in this situation. The Kleihauer-Betke test is used to detect fetal blood in maternal circulation, which is not relevant in this case.
Choice D rationale
Anticipating a prescription for misoprostol is the correct action. Misoprostol is a medication that can be used to treat uterine atony by causing the uterus to contract, which can help control postpartum bleeding.

Choice A rationale
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is administered to newborns to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, specifically for Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection prevention. If the guardian refuses the administration of erythromycin, the healthcare provider should respect the guardian’s decision and document the refusal. It’s important to note that the refusal should be informed, meaning the guardian should understand the potential risks associated with not administering the medication.
Choice B rationale
Informing the guardian that the medication can be given after discharge may not be the best course of action. The purpose of the ointment is to prevent infection immediately after birth when the risk is highest. Delaying the administration could potentially increase the risk of the newborn developing an infection.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the guardian’s refusal of the medication to social services is not the first step unless there are other concerns about the safety or well-being of the child. The healthcare provider should respect the guardian’s autonomy and their right to make informed decisions about the newborn’s care.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the facility’s ethics committee about the guardian’s medication refusal is not typically necessary unless the refusal puts the newborn at significant risk and other attempts to resolve the situation have failed. In this case, the refusal of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, while not ideal, is not likely to warrant an ethics consultation.