A nurse is caring for a client in labor at 39 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following assessment findings requires follow-up?
Maternal blood pressure of 128/88.
Fetal heart rate baseline of 115 bpm.
Maternal heart rate of 128 bpm.
Maternal respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A maternal blood pressure of 128/88 mm Hg is within normal limits for a pregnant woman. Regular monitoring is necessary, but no immediate follow-up is required unless symptoms
of preeclampsia appear.
Choice B rationale
A fetal heart rate baseline of 115 bpm is within the normal range (110-160 bpm). This does not require immediate follow-up and is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being.
Choice C rationale
A maternal heart rate of 128 bpm is elevated (tachycardia) and may indicate distress, infection, dehydration, or other underlying conditions. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and address the cause.
Choice D rationale
A maternal respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not require immediate follow-up.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Accidental lacerations are possible during a cesarean delivery, but they are typically managed quickly and are not the most critical issue immediately after birth.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory distress is the priority assessment for a newborn following a cesarean delivery because cesarean births can increase the risk of transient tachypnea or other respiratory complications due to the lack of labor-induced respiratory adaptation.
Choice C rationale
Hypothermia is a concern for all newborns, but respiratory distress takes precedence in the immediate post-delivery period, especially following cesarean delivery.
Choice D rationale
Acrocyanosis is a common and typically benign condition in newborns, not requiring immediate intervention compared to respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A newborn who is 26 hours post-delivery and has had no urine output needs immediate attention. Lack of urine output for over 24 hours may indicate dehydration or renal issues. Immediate medical evaluation is required to identify underlying conditions and prevent complications such as acute kidney injury or sepsis.
Choice B rationale
Acrocyanosis, characterized by blueish discoloration of the extremities, is common in newborns during the first 24-48 hours of life and usually resolves on its own. It occurs due to immature blood circulation and is generally not a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours can be a sign of conditions like Hirschsprung's disease or cystic fibrosis, but it is not as immediately concerning as anuria (no urine output). Monitoring and further evaluation are necessary, but it does not require urgent provider notification.
Choice D rationale
A blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL in a newborn is within the lower limit of normal. While it's important to monitor, it does not necessitate immediate provider notification unless it continues to drop or other symptoms arise.