A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately following a vaginal birth.
For which of the following findings should the nurse intervene?

Choice A rationale

A client at 12 weeks of gestation not feeling fetal movement is expected. Fetal movement, or quickening, typically begins between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation for primigravidas and earlier for multigravidas. At 12 weeks, the fetus is still small and movements are not usually strong enough to be consistently perceived by the mother, thus this finding is not immediately concerning.

Choice B rationale

A fetal heart rate (FHR) of 160/min at 28 weeks of gestation is within the normal range, which is typically 110-160 beats/min. A normal FHR indicates adequate fetal oxygenation and well-being. Therefore, this finding does not suggest an emergent situation requiring immediate provider assessment.

Choice C rationale

Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) graded as 2+ are considered normal. This grading indicates an average, brisk reflex response. Abnormal DTRs, such as hyperreflexia (3+ or 4+), can be indicative of preeclampsia, but a 2+ finding is physiological and does not warrant immediate concern.

Choice D rationale

Blurred vision in a client at 36 weeks of gestation can be a symptom of preeclampsia, a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. This condition can lead to severe complications such as eclampsia, placental abruption, or HELLP syndrome, requiring immediate medical evaluation and intervention to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Choice A rationale

Avoiding sterile vaginal examinations is not a primary action for uterine atony and large vaginal bleeding. While excessive or repeated vaginal examinations can potentially introduce infection or dislodge clots, the immediate priority for uterine atony is to address the lack of uterine tone to prevent further blood loss.

Choice B rationale

Obtaining a specimen for a Kleihauer-Betke test is used to quantify the amount of fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation, typically after a significant feto-maternal hemorrhage or trauma. While potentially useful in specific situations, it is not an immediate, primary intervention for acute uterine atony and bleeding.

Choice C rationale

Performing a fundal massage is the most immediate and critical action for uterine atony. Uterine atony is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage, characterized by a boggy, relaxed uterus that cannot effectively constrict blood vessels at the placental site. Manual massage stimulates uterine contractions, promoting vasoconstriction and reducing blood loss.

Choice D rationale

Assessing for abdominal tenderness is an important assessment, but it is not the primary intervention for acute uterine atony with large vaginal bleeding. Abdominal tenderness could indicate other complications such as uterine rupture or hematoma, which require different immediate interventions after addressing the atony.