A distraught parent informs the nurse of bleeding in a 1-day-old girl. What is an appropriate response by the nurse after assessing a small amount of bloody mucus in the newborn's diaper?

Question

A distraught parent informs the nurse of bleeding in a 1-day-old girl.  What is an appropriate response by the nurse after assessing a small amount of bloody mucus in the newborn's diaper?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mammary gland enlargement, non-purulent vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), and mild uterine withdrawal bleeding (pseudomenstruation) are benign transient findings commonly seen in newborns; these are physiologic responses to transplacental maternal estrogen exposure. Reassurance should be provided. Monitoring the amount, color, and consistency is the appropriate action (Option C). (Options A and B) The blood-tinged mucus will cease within a few days after birth when hormone levels return to normal. No additional workup or medications are indicated. (Option D) Pseudomenstruation is a physiological process and is not caused by trauma or abuse. Educational objective: Mammary gland enlargement, non-purulent vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), and mild uterine withdrawal bleeding (pseudomenstruation) are benign transient findings commonly seen in newborns; they are physiologic responses to transplacental maternal estrogen exposure. Reassurance should be provided.

A Distraught Parent Informs the Nurse of Bleeding in a 1-Day-Old