A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 48 hours old and is experiencing opioid withdrawals. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

Assessing for bladder distention is important for postpartum clients, especially those who have undergone perineal trauma during childbirth. However, it is not the priority assessment during a sitz bath. The sitz bath is usually done to promote healing and comfort, and monitoring pulse rate takes precedence to identify any adverse reactions.

Choice B rationale:

Pulse rate should be the priority assessment during a sitz bath for a postpartum client. Sitz baths can cause vasodilation, leading to a potential drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, or dizziness. Monitoring the pulse rate helps identify any cardiovascular changes or adverse reactions.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory rate is not the priority assessment during a sitz bath. It is essential to monitor, but it is less likely to be affected directly by the sitz bath compared to the pulse rate and cardiovascular changes.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring the color of lochia is essential for assessing postpartum bleeding and uterine healing. However, during a sitz bath, the priority assessment should be focused on cardiovascular changes and any adverse reactions the client might experience.

Choice A reason:

Nevus flammeus, also known as a port-wine stain, is a flat, pink, red, or purple mark on the skin present at birth. It is a congenital vascular malformation and does not involve swelling that crosses suture lines.

Choice B reason:

Caput succedaneum is the correct diagnosis for swelling that crosses suture lines on a newborn's head, typically associated with a prolonged or difficult vaginal delivery, especially with the use of vacuum extraction.

Choice C reason:

Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the periosteum of the cranial bones that does not cross suture lines. It appears soon after birth and is usually caused by birth trauma.

Choice D reason:

Erythema toxicum is a common rash in newborns, presenting as red patches with small white or yellow pustules. It does not cause swelling over the head that crosses suture lines.