A breastfeeding woman develops engorged breasts at 3 days postpartum.
What action would help this woman achieve her goal of reducing the engorgement?

Choice A rationale

Positioning the newborn supine on a radiant warmer is appropriate for maintaining thermoregulation. However, applying only a sterile gauze dressing to a large abdominal wall defect that is not covered by a membrane does not adequately protect the exposed organs from contamination, drying, or injury. This increases the risk of infection and fluid loss.

Choice B rationale

Placing the newborn into a sterile bowel bag up to the axilla is the recommended immediate action for an abdominal wall defect such as gastroschisis (protrusion without a membrane). The sterile bag helps to maintain a moist environment, prevent heat and fluid loss, and protect the exposed organs from trauma and contamination until surgical repair can be performed.

Choice C rationale

While breastfeeding promotes bonding and provides essential nutrients, it is not the priority action for a newborn with a large, uncovered abdominal wall defect immediately after birth. The immediate focus should be on protecting the exposed organs and stabilizing the newborn. Breastfeeding can be initiated once the newborn is stable and the abdominal defect is appropriately managed.

Choice D rationale

Providing intermittent suction via an orogastric tube may be necessary later to decompress the gastrointestinal system, but it is not the immediate priority for a newborn with a large, uncovered abdominal wall defect. The initial action should focus on protecting the exposed organs.

Choice A rationale

Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, typically occurring in the first trimester. While amniocentesis can cause some discomfort, it is not a known risk factor for hyperemesis.

Choice B rationale

Proteinuria is the presence of protein in the urine, which can be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can occur later in pregnancy. Amniocentesis, usually performed in the second trimester, is not directly linked to causing proteinuria.

Choice C rationale

Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a needle through the abdominal wall and uterus to withdraw amniotic fluid. This procedure carries a risk of bleeding or hemorrhage from the insertion site or within the uterus. Therefore, observing for signs of hemorrhage is a crucial nursing intervention post-amniocentesis.

Choice D rationale

Hypoxia is a condition of insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues. While complications of amniocentesis could indirectly lead to fetal hypoxia in rare cases (e.g., placental abruption), it is not a direct and common complication to observe for in the mother. Hemorrhage is a more immediate and direct risk for the mother. .