When a client reports using cocaine during her current pregnancy, which laboratory study should a nurse anticipate?

The correct answer is choice B. Dry off the newborn.This is the priority nursing action because it prevents heat loss and hypothermia in the newborn.

The newborn has a large surface area and a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, making it vulnerable to cold stress.Drying off the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which helps clear the airways.

Choice A is wrong because obtaining a serum sample is not a priority action and may cause unnecessary pain and bleeding in the newborn.

Choice C is wrong because assessing the newborn’s Moro reflex is not a priority action and may be done later during the physical examination.Choice D is wrong because obtaining the newborn’s footprints is not a priority action and may be done after the bonding and breastfeeding period.

This is because late fetal heart rate decelerations are a sign of uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.Oxytocin can cause uterine tachysystole, which is excessive and frequent contractions that reduce blood flow to the placenta.Therefore, stopping the oxytocin infusion can help improve placental perfusion and fetal oxygenation.

Choice A is wrong because documenting the findings is not a priority action in this situation.

The nurse should first intervene to address the cause of late decelerations and then document the actions and outcomes.

Choice C is wrong because raising the head of the patient’s bed 30 degrees does not directly affect the placental blood flow or fetal oxygenation.

It may help with maternal comfort and breathing, but it is not an essential action for late decelerations.

Choice D is wrong because notifying the health care provider is not the first action to take.The nurse should first attempt to correct the cause of late decelerations by pausing the oxytocin infusion and then notify the health care provider if there is no improvement or if there are other signs of fetal distress.