A client who is breastfeeding her newborn tells the nurse, "I notice that when I feed him, I feel fairly strong contraction-like pain. Labor is over. Why am I having contractions now?" Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Select one:

Choice A Reason: Prepare for IV dextrose administration. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an unnecessary and invasive intervention for an IDM with normal blood glucose. IV dextrose administration is indicated for an IDM with severe or persistent hypoglycemia, which is defined as a blood glucose below 40 mg/dL or below 60 mg/dL after two feedings.

Choice B Reason: Provide routine care, per hospital IDM protocol. This is because a blood glucose of 60 is within the normal range for an IDM, which is 40 to 80 mg/dL. An IDM is a newborn whose mother has pre-existing or gestational diabetes, which can affect the fetal and neonatal glucose metabolism and regulation. An IDM may have hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), or other complications such as macrosomia, polycythemia, or congenital anomalies. An IDM requires routine care and monitoring according to the hospital IDM protocol, which may include blood glucose testing, feeding, temperature regulation, and observation for signs of distress.

Choice C Reason: Place the infant in a warmed incubator. This is an incorrect answer that suggests an irrelevant and potentially harmful action for an IDM with normal blood glucose. Placing the infant in a warmed incubator is indicated for an IDM with hypothermia, which is a low body temperature that can impair glucose utilization and increase oxygen consumption. However, placing the infant in a warmed incubator without proper indication can cause hyperthermia, which is a high body temperature that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or brain damage.

Choice D Reason: Alert the clinician immediately for orders. This is an incorrect answer that implies an urgent and unwarranted situation for an IDM with normal blood glucose. Alerting the clinician immediately for orders is indicated for an IDM with signs of distress or complications, such as apnea, cyanosis, seizures, or jaundice.

Choice A Reason: "If I go too long overdue, the amniotic fluid volume can become too low for my baby to be safe." This is a correct answer that indicates that the client understands one of the Reasons for induction of labor at 42 weeks' pregnancy.

Choice B Reason: "My baby took longer to grow, and now she's ready to be born." This is an incorrect answer that shows a misconception about fetal growth and development. Fetal growth does not depend on gestational age alone, but also on genetic, maternal, placental, and environmental factors. A post-term fetus does not necessarily grow faster or larger than a term fetus. In fact, some post-term fetuses may experience intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which means slower than expected growth for gestational age.

Choice C Reason: "I don't really need this induction, my baby will come whenever he wants to." This is an incorrect answer that reveals a lack of awareness or acceptance of the need for induction of labor at 42 weeks' pregnancy. Induction of labor is recommended for post-term pregnancies to prevent potential complications such as fetal distress, stillbirth, or maternal hemorrhage.

Choice D Reason: "Since I am so tired of being pregnant, I am being induced." This is an incorrect answer that implies that induction of labor is based on maternal preference or convenience rather than medical indication. Induction of labor should not be done without a valid Reason or informed consent, as it carries some risks such as failed induction, prolonged labor, infection, uterine rupture, or cesarean delivery.