On the first prenatal visit, the woman's cervix feels softened upon examination. The nurse records this finding as: Select one:

Choice A Reason: Contact the physician, as it indicates early DIC. This is an incorrect answer that confuses a low pulse rate with a high pulse rate. DIC stands for disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is a life-threatening condition where abnormal clotting and bleeding occur simultaneously in the body. DIC can occur as a complication of postpartum hemorrhage, infection, or placental abruption. DIC can cause tachycardia (high pulse rate), not bradycardia (low pulse rate).

Choice B Reason: Contact the physician, as it is a first sign of postpartum eclampsia. This is an incorrect answer that misinterprets a low pulse rate as a sign of hypertension. Postpartum eclampsia is a condition where seizures occur in a woman who has preeclampsia or eclampsia after delivery. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Postpartum eclampsia can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), not hypotension (low blood pressure).

Choice C Reason: Document the finding as it is a normal finding at this time. This is because a pulse rate of 60 beats per minute is within the normal range for an adult and may reflect a physiological adaptation to the postpartum period. During pregnancy, the maternal blood volume and cardiac output increase, which can elevate the pulse rate. After delivery, these parameters gradually return to pre-pregnancy levels, which can lower the pulse rate.

Choice D Reason: Obtain an order for a CBC, as it suggests postpartum anemia. This is an incorrect answer that assumes that a low pulse rate is caused by anemia. Anemia is a condition where the red blood cell count or hemoglobin level is lower than normal, which can impair oxygen delivery to the tissues. Anemia can occur in the postpartum period due to blood loss during delivery or poor nutritional intake during pregnancy. Anemia can cause tachycardia (high pulse rate), not bradycardia (low pulse rate).

Choice A Reason: Macrosomic fetus is a fetus that weighs more than 4000 grams or 8 pounds 13 ounces at birth. It is not a common complication of teenage pregnancy, but rather of maternal diabetes, obesity, or a history of large babies.

Choice B Reason: Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. It can cause serious complications for both the mother and the baby, such as seizures, organ damage, growth restriction, and placental abruption. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for preeclampsia, especially if the mother is younger than 15 years old.

Choice C Reason: Inadequate nutritional status of mother is a condition where the mother does not consume enough calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, or fluids during pregnancy. It can affect the growth and development of the baby and increase the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for inadequate nutritional status of mother, as teenagers may have poor dietary habits, eating disorders, or limited access to food.

Choice D Reason: Cephalopelvic disproportion is a condition where the size or shape of the baby's head or body is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis. It can prevent normal vaginal delivery and require cesarean section. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for cephalopelvic disproportion, as teenagers may have smaller or immature pelvises that are not fully developed.