Which physical signs could indicate a risk for hyperbilirubinemia?

Choice A:

Document fundal height. This is a correct action because the nurse should monitor the involution of the uterus by measuring the fundal height and comparing it to the expected level. The fundus should descend about one fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day after delivery and be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth.

Choice B:

Observe the lochia during palpation of the fundus. This is a correct action because the nurse should assess the amount, color, and consistency of the lochia (vaginal discharge) during the fundal massage. The lochia should change from rubra (red) to serosa (pink) to alba (white) over time and not increase in amount or revert to a previous stage.

Choice C:

Massage a firm fundus. This is an incorrect action because a firm fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and involution. Massaging a firm fundus can cause discomfort and bleeding for the client. The nurse should only massage a boggy (soft) fundus to stimulate contraction and prevent hemorrhage.

Choice D:

Determine whether the fundus is midline. This is a correct action because the nurse should check if the fundus is deviated to either side, which may indicate a full bladder. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding or infection. The nurse should assist the client to void if the fundus is not midline.

Choice E:

Administer terbutaline if the fundus is boggy. This is an incorrect action because terbutaline is a tocolytic drug that relaxes the uterine muscle and inhibits contractions. It is used to stop preterm labor, not to treat postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should administer oxytocin or other uterotonic drugs if the fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage.

Choice A reason:

Infection is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting, not for fighting infections. Newborns are given vitamin K injections to prevent a serious disease called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), which is caused by bleeding in the brain or other organs.

Choice B reason:

Hyperbilirubinemia is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood, causing jaundice. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. Vitamin K does not affect the production or breakdown of bilirubin.

Choice C reason:

Bleeding is prevented by vitamin K administration. Vitamin K is needed for the synthesis of several clotting factors that help stop bleeding when there is an injury. Newborns have very low levels of vitamin K in their bodies because they do not get enough from the placenta or breast milk, and they do not have enough bacteria in their intestines to produce it. This puts them at risk for VKDB, which can cause life-threatening bleeding in the brain or other organs.

Choice D reason:

Potassium deficiency is not prevented by vitamin K administration. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function, as well as fluid balance. Vitamin K does not affect the absorption or excretion of potassium.