When is it most important for the nurse to assess a pregnant client's deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)?

Choice A: Obtain a capillary glucose level. This is the first action that the nurse should do, as it can diagnose hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level that can cause jitteriness and tachypnea in newborns. Hypoglycemia can be caused by maternal diabetes, prematurity, infection, or delayed feeding. The nurse should check the glucose level using a heel stick and a glucometer.

Choice B: Feed 30 mL of 10% dextrose in water. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not be appropriate for all newborns with jitteriness and tachypnea. Feeding 10% dextrose in water can raise the blood sugar level, but it may also cause rebound hypoglycemia or fluid overload. The nurse should feed only after confirming hypoglycemia and obtaining a healthcare provider's order.

Choice C: Wrap tightly in a blanket. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not address the underlying cause of jitteriness and tachypnea in newborns. Wrapping tightly in a blanket can prevent heat loss and conserve energy, but it may also impair breathing or circulation. The nurse should wrap only after ruling out other causes of jitteriness and tachypnea.

Choice D: Encourage the mother to breastfeed. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not be feasible or effective for all newborns with jitteriness and tachypnea. Breastfeeding can provide nutrition and bonding for newborns, but it may also be difficult or contraindicated for some newborns with respiratory distress or infection. The nurse should encourage breastfeeding only after assessing and stabilizing the newborn's condition.

Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because continuing to monitor the client for signs of an infection is important to detect any recurrence or complication of MRSA infection. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause serious skin, soft tissue, bone, joint, or bloodstream infections. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, wound appearance, pain level, and laboratory results.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct answer because calling the healthcare provider for a prescription for linezolid is not necessary unless the client has an active MRSA infection that requires treatment. Linezolid is an antibiotic that can be used to treat MRSA infections, but it has potential side effects and interactions that need to be considered. The nurse should not prescribe or administer antibiotics without a valid order.

Choice C reason: This is a correct answer because collecting multiple sets of blood cultures for MRSA screening is important to identify any asymptomatic bacteremia or sepsis that could result from MRSA infection. MRSA can enter the bloodstream through wounds, catheters, or surgical sites and cause life-threatening complications such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis, or pneumonia. The nurse should obtain blood samples from different sites and times and send them to the laboratory for analysis.

Choice D reason: This is a correct answer because placing the client on contact transmission precautions is important to prevent the spread of MRSA to other clients, staff, or visitors. Contact transmission precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when entering the client's room, using dedicated or disposable equipment, and performing hand hygiene before and after contact with the client or their environment.

Choice E reason: This is not a correct answer because obtaining a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity is not relevant to the client's history of MRSA wound infection. Sputum culture and sensitivity is a test that can be used to diagnose respiratory infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The nurse should only obtain a sputum specimen if the client has signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as cough, fever, chest pain, or dyspnea.