A nurse is assessing a client who is postpartum and is experiencing hemorrhagic shock.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Skin mottling, characterized by a patchy, net-like, reddish-blue discoloration of the skin, is typically caused by vasoconstriction in response to cold exposure or by circulatory changes in individuals with poor peripheral perfusion. This is not a typical, expected body change during a normal pregnancy; expected skin changes relate more to hyperpigmentation (e.g., chloasma, linea nigra).

Choice B rationale

During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly the increase in estrogen, shift a greater proportion of hair follicles into the anagen (growth) phase, leading to thicker, fuller hair. Hair thinning (telogen effluvium) is commonly experienced postpartum when hormone levels drop and the hair follicles shift rapidly back into the telogen (resting) phase, thus it is not expected at 14 weeks gestation.

Choice C rationale

Nipple inversion is a structural variation where the nipple is retracted into the areola; it is not a change that typically develops during pregnancy. Expected breast changes include areolar darkening (hyperpigmentation), prominent Montgomery's tubercles, and nipple erection. Nipple inversion is a pre-existing condition that may present challenges for breastfeeding.

Choice D rationale

Breast enlargement (hypertrophy) is an expected and early body change during pregnancy, beginning in the first trimester (around 6 weeks). This growth is driven by elevated estrogen and progesterone levels, stimulating the development of the mammary glands in preparation for lactation, and is often accompanied by tenderness and increased vascularity.

Choice A rationale

Bilirubin monitoring is critical for jaundice due to hemolysis, often seen in ABO incompatibility or cephalohematoma. While Large for Gestational Age (LGA) infants can have polycythemia, hypoglycemia is a more immediate and life-threatening risk that requires priority monitoring in the first hours of life. The normal total bilirubin range is typically less than 5 mg/dL in the first 24 hours.

Choice B rationale

LGA infants are often born to mothers with uncontrolled or gestational diabetes, leading to fetal hyperinsulinism. After birth, the maternal glucose supply is cut off, and the high insulin levels persist, causing a rapid and profound drop in the newborn's blood glucose, hence hypoglycemia is a major concern. The normal newborn glucose range is 40 to 60 mg/dL and should be monitored.

Choice C rationale

White blood cell (WBC) count is primarily monitored to detect neonatal sepsis or infection. While all newborns are at risk, the LGA classification does not inherently place them at a higher, unique risk for infection compared to the immediate metabolic derangement risks like hypoglycemia. The normal WBC count range is 9,000 to 30,000 cells/mm.

Choice D rationale

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs) are used to assess the newborn's respiratory status and acid-base balance, particularly in respiratory distress syndrome or persistent pulmonary hypertension. While LGA infants can experience birth trauma or meconium aspiration, ABG monitoring is not routine unless significant respiratory symptoms are present.