When making assignments in the labor and delivery unit, the charge nurse should assign the most experienced newborn admit nurse to attend to the birth of which client?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Green amniotic fluid indicates that the fetus has passed its first stool (meconium) in utero. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid places the newborn at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome, a type of aspiration pneumonia. A skilled neonatal resuscitation team should be present at the birth of any newborn with meconium-stained fluid for immediate evaluation and stabilization (Option D). Previously, endotracheal (ET) suctioning was recommended for nonvigorous newborns (eg, depressed respirations, decreased muscle tone, heart rate <100/min) born with meconium-stained fluid; however, recent guidelines indicate that routine ET suctioning is no longer necessary. (Option A) Neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia after birth and should be monitored closely during the first 6 hours of life. The risk of newborn hypoglycemia is lower if the mother's diabetes is well-controlled and not insulin-dependent. (Option B) Clients with severe preeclampsia may need magnesium sulfate therapy for seizure prevention. Maternal magnesium therapy can cause newborn respiratory depression at birth. However, this client's mild preeclampsia does not require magnesium therapy. (Option C) Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the rupture of membranes prior to the onset of labor at term gestation (≥37wk 0d). PROM on its own does not harm the fetus. However, if labor does not begin after PROM, induction of labor may be necessary to decrease the risk for infection (eg, chorioamnionitis). Educational objective: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid places the newborn at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome. A skilled neonatal resuscitation team should be present at birth for immediate newborn evaluation and stabilization.

When Making Assignments in the Labor and Delivery Unit, the Charge