A nurse is assessing a newborn following a forceps-assisted birth.
Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse identify as a complication of this birth method?

Choice A rationale: A positive Coombs test indicates that the newborn has antibodies against his own red blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition can cause severe anemia and jaundice, which can lead to complications such as kernicterus if not treated promptly.

Choice B rationale: The newborn’s glucose level is within the normal range (40 to 60 mg/dL), so this finding does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice C rationale: The yellow color of the sclera indicates jaundice, which can be a sign of hyperbilirubinemia. This condition can lead to complications such as kernicterus if bilirubin levels become too high.

Choice D rationale: The absence of meconium stool in a 36-hour-old newborn is unusual, as most newborns pass meconium within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. This could indicate a problem such as meconium ileus or Hirschsprung disease, which would require further evaluation.

Choice E rationale: The head assessment finding of caput succedaneum is a common and typically harmless condition in newborns caused by pressure on the head during delivery. It does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice F rationale: The newborn’s heart rate is slightly elevated (normal range for a newborn is 120-160 beats per minute). This could be a response to factors such as fever, pain, or distress, and should be reported to the provider.

Choice G rationale: The newborn’s respiratory rate is also elevated (normal range for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute). This could be a sign of respiratory distress and should be reported to the provider.

Choice H rationale: Dry mucous membranes can be a sign of dehydration, which can occur if the newborn is not feeding well or is losing too much fluid, for example, through excessive sweating due to fever. This should be reported to the provider.

Choice A rationale
While assessing the client’s kidney function is important in general, it is not the best way to evaluate medication adherence. Kidney function can affect the metabolism and excretion of medications, but it does not directly indicate whether the client is taking their medication as prescribed.
Choice B rationale

Correct answer. Checking the client’s serum medication level is the most direct and reliable way to evaluate medication adherence. If the client is taking the medication as prescribed, the serum medication level should be within the therapeutic range.
Choice C rationale
Determining the client’s apical pulse rate can provide information about the client’s overall cardiovascular status and can indicate certain drug effects or side effects, but it does not directly measure medication adherence.
Choice D rationale
Asking the client if they are taking the medication as prescribed can provide useful information, but it relies on self-report, which may not be reliable. Some clients might forget doses or not take the medication exactly as prescribed.