The nurse admits a newborn to the admission nursery and prepares to bathe the baby for the first time after assessing which of the following?

A. This is not a primary consideration before bathing a newborn. The timing of the last feeding is more relevant to assessing the risk of hypoglycemia rather than determining readiness for a bath.

B. This temperature is slightly below the recommended range for newborns (36.5°C to 37.5°C). Bathing should be delayed until the newborn's temperature is stable.

C. While care of the umbilical cord is important, it does not determine the timing of the first bath. The cord can be kept dry even if the baby is bathed.

D. Ensuring that the newborn has maintained a stable body temperature for at least 2 hours is crucial before giving the first bath. Bathing can cause a drop in body temperature, so it's essential that the newborn's thermoregulation is stable to avoid hypothermia.

Choice A rationale:

A respiratory rate of 22/min would be abnormally low for a newborn. The expected reference range for newborns is around 30-60 breaths per minute.

Choice B rationale:

A respiratory rate of 100/min would be abnormally high for a newborn. Such a high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or other underlying issues and requires further evaluation.

Choice C rationale:

A respiratory rate of 48/min falls within the expected reference range for a newborn, which is around 30-60 breaths per minute. This rate suggests that the newborn's respiratory system is functioning within the normal range.

Choice D rationale:

A respiratory rate of 110/min would be abnormally high for a newborn. As mentioned earlier, the expected reference range for newborns is around 30-60 breaths per minute, making this rate concerning and necessitating further assessment.