The nurse is planning care for a client who has a fourth-degree midline laceration that occurred during vaginal delivery of an 8-pound 10-ounce (3674 grams) infant.

Which intervention has the highest priority for this client?

The correct answer is choice d. Activate the lockdown procedure.

Choice A rationale:

Asking the mother if any visitors were expected to arrive is important for gathering information, but it is not the immediate priority when a newborn is missing. The primary concern is to ensure the safety and security of the infant.

Choice B rationale:

Matching ID bands of all infants and mothers on the unit is a crucial step in verifying the identity of the newborn, but it should be done after ensuring that the unit is secure and the baby cannot be taken out of the facility.

Choice C rationale:

Determining if the newborn is in the nursery is also important, but it should be done after securing the unit to prevent any potential abduction.

Choice D rationale:

Activating the lockdown procedure is the first and most critical action. This ensures that all exits are secured, preventing anyone from leaving the unit with the infant. It is a safety measure to protect the newborn and is the immediate priority in such situations.

The correct answer is Choice B: Advise the client that lifestyle changes often take several weeks to be effective.

Choice B rationale: Exercise is known to improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep; however, these benefits may not be immediate. Lifestyle modifications, such as incorporating regular physical activity, typically require several weeks before noticeable improvements in sleep patterns and overall health are observed. By informing the client about this expected timeframe, the nurse promotes realistic expectations and encourages adherence to the exercise program.

Choice A rationale: Encouraging daily exercise to eliminate bedtime wakefulness may be counterproductive, as overexertion can lead to increased arousal and impaired sleep quality. Additionally, daily exercise might be too rigorous or impractical for some individuals, potentially leading to burnout or injury. It is essential to tailor exercise recommendations to the client's fitness level, preferences, and goals.

Choice C rationale: While obtaining information about the client's exercise schedule is helpful in assessing their adherence and progress, it does not directly address the issue of sleep onset difficulties. The nurse should focus on providing education and guidance on the expected timeline for observing sleep improvements with exercise.

Choice D rationale: Weight loss is a potential outcome of increased physical activity but is not directly correlated with improvements in sleep onset latency. Focusing solely on weight loss may overlook other essential aspects of sleep hygiene and healthy lifestyle changes. The nurse should emphasize the broader benefits of exercise and provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the client's concerns.