Following the precipitous birth of a term newborn, what is the best action by the nurse while awaiting expulsion of the placenta and arrival of the health care provider?

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Precipitous birth occurs when the newborn is delivered ≤3 hours after the onset of contractions. In the event of precipitous labor, the nurse should be prepared to assist with the birth if the health care provider is unable to arrive in time. Immediately after the birth, the newborn should be dried and placed skin-to-skin on the mother's abdomen at uterine level to promote warmth; this prevents cold stress that can lead to newborn hypoglycemia or respiratory distress (Option C). If the newborn is stable, the cord can be clamped and cut with sterile scissors after it has stopped pulsating or after the placenta has been expelled. (Option A) The perineal area can be cleansed if needed once the placenta has been expelled. (Option B) To avoid uterine inversion or cord avulsion (tearing or snapping), the nurse should not pull on the cord. Once placental separation occurs, signified by cord lengthening, a gush of blood, uterine cramping, and vaginal pressure, the mother can bear down gently to expel the placenta. (Option D) Fundal massage is performed after expulsion of the placenta to increase uterine tone and decrease bleeding. Educational objective: Precipitous birth occurs when delivery takes place ≤3 hours after the onset of contractions. The nurse should prevent newborn cold stress by promptly drying and placing the newborn on the mother's abdomen for skin-to-skin contact.

Following the Precipitous Birth of a Term Newborn, What Is