The newborn of a patient suspected to have used drugs during the prenatal period is admitted to the nursery.The nurse caring for the newborn notes that the infant is beginning to exhibit signs of drug withdrawal.Which action should the nurse take?

The correct answer is choice C. Arrange for her to meet the staff who will be caring for her during labor and delivery.This measure can help reduce the anxiety and fear of the unknown that a primigravida may have in the last month of pregnancy.Meeting the staff can also help establish rapport and trust, which are essential for a positive birth experience.

Choice A is wrong because an increase in fetal activity does not necessarily require an increase in the need to rest.

Fetal activity is normal and expected, and the mother should monitor it regularly.Resting may help with some discomforts of pregnancy, but it is not directly related to fetal activity.

Choice B is wrong because back labor is not likely for a primigravida with an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Back labor occurs when the fetus is in an occiput posterior position, which puts pressure on the mother’s spine and causes intense pain in the lower back.This position is more common in multiparous women than primigravidas.

Choice D is wrong because testing urine for glucose is not a routine measure for a primigravida with an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Urine glucose testing is done for women who have gestational diabetes or are at risk of developing it.It is not necessary for women who have normal blood glucose levels.

This is because epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) which can affect the placental blood flow and fetal oxygenation.

The nurse should monitor the patient’s blood pressure frequently and intervene if it drops below the baseline.

Choice A is wrong because assessing the patient’s urine for acetone is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.Acetone in urine can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy due to lack of insulin.

However, this is not related to epidural anesthesia.

Choice B is wrong because monitoring the patient’s deep tendon reflexes is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.Deep tendon reflexes can be affected by magnesium sulfate, a medication used to prevent seizures in patients with preeclampsia (a condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy).

However, this is not related to epidural anesthesia.

Choice C is wrong because assessing the patient’s pupillary accommodation is not relevant to the side effects of epidural anesthesia.

Pupillary accommodation is the ability of the eye to adjust its focus from distant to near objects.It can be impaired by drugs that affect the nervous system, such as opioids or anticholinergics.