A nurse is assessing a newborn of a client who reported methadone use during pregnancy. What manifestations should the nurse expect the newborn to exhibit?

Choice A rationale: The client’s hematocrit level is 27%, which is below the normal range (greater than 39%). This could indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood loss. Given the client’s report of a “gush” of blood and the nurse’s observation of a moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding, this is a concerning finding that requires immediate follow-up. Anemia in pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.

Choice B rationale: The client’s fundal height is 33 cm, which is appropriate for a gestational age of 33 weeks. Fundal height is measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, and in centimeters, it should roughly equal the number of weeks of gestation. Therefore, this finding does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice C rationale: The client reports feeling a “gush” of blood and the nurse observes a moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding. This is a concerning finding given the client’s diagnosis of complete placenta previa, a condition where the placenta

completely covers the cervix. Vaginal bleeding in this context can indicate placental abruption, a serious complication where the placenta detaches from the uterus before childbirth. This requires immediate follow-up.

Choice D rationale: The client’s platelet count is 160,000/mm³, which is within the normal range (150,000 to 400,000/mm³). This indicates that the client’s blood clotting function is currently adequate. While platelet count can decrease with significant blood loss, the client’s current platelet count does not indicate a potential complication of pregnancy.

Choice E rationale: The client’s fetal heart rate is 174/min, which is above the normal range (110 to 160/min). This could indicate fetal tachycardia, which can be a response to maternal blood loss, maternal fever, or fetal hypoxia. This is a concerning finding that requires immediate follow-up.

Choice A rationale
Performing a fundal massage is not the appropriate action for a client with placenta previa who is experiencing a large amount of vaginal bleeding. Fundal massage is typically used to stimulate contractions and reduce postpartum hemorrhage after the delivery of the placenta. However, in the case of placenta previa, where the placenta is covering the cervix, a fundal massage could potentially cause more harm and increase bleeding.
Choice B rationale
Assessing for abdominal tenderness is not the most immediate action for a nurse to take when a client with placenta previa is exhibiting a large amount of vaginal bleeding. While abdominal tenderness could indicate a complication such as placental abruption, the primary concern with placenta previa is the risk of severe bleeding that can endanger both the mother and the baby.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining serial hemoglobin and hematocrit is the correct action in this situation. These laboratory tests are important for monitoring the client’s blood loss and determining the need for a possible blood transfusion. With a large amount of vaginal bleeding, the client is at risk for anemia and hypovolemic shock, so close monitoring of blood levels is crucial.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring vital signs closely is an important part of care for any client, but it is not the most specific action a nurse should take for a client with placenta previa who is experiencing a large amount of vaginal bleeding. Vital sign changes could indicate worsening of the client’s condition, but these changes often occur late in the progression of blood loss. Therefore, while important, it is not the most immediate action to take.