A new mother of a newborn girl calls the clinic in a panic, concerned about the blood-tinged soiled diaper. What is the best response from the nurse?

Check for blood under the client's buttock. This is because lochia rubra is the normal vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually heavy for the first three to four days and can pool under the client's buttocks if they are lying down. Checking for blood under the buttock can help assess the amount of bleeding and prevent complications such as infection or hemorrhage.

The other choices are not correct for the following reasons:

A. Increasing the rate of the IV fluids is not necessary because the client's fundus is firm and midline, indicating that the uterus is contracting well and preventing excessive bleeding.

B. Assisting the client to ambulate is not advisable because it can increase the lochia flow and cause fainting or dizziness due to blood loss.

C. Performing fundal massage is not indicated because the fundus is already firm and midline, meaning that the uterus is adequately contracted. Massaging a firm fundus can cause pain and discomfort to the client.

Wash hands before touching each baby. This is because hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infection transmission in the nursery. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after every patient contact, as well as before and after wearing gloves or handling equipment. Hand hygiene can be done by washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs.

Choice A is not correct because adjusting room temperature between 75°F and 80°F is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. The room temperature should be maintained within a comfortable range for newborns, but it does not affect infection risk.

Choice B is not correct because wearing a disposable gown when giving infant care is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. Disposable gowns are part of contact precautions, which are used for patients with known or suspected infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. They are not necessary for routine infant care.

Choice C is not correct because keeping the newborn dressed warmly is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. Keeping the newborn dressed warmly can help prevent heat loss and hypothermia, but it does not affect infection risk.