A nurse is assessing a newborn.
Which of the following findings indicates a need to check the newborn's blood glucose level for hypoglycemia?

A. Obtain a prescription for a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

The client's fever (38.5°C), chills, abdominal pain, malodorous lochia, and tender fundus suggest a potential postpartum infection, such as endometritis. Administering a broad-spectrum antibiotic is necessary to treat the infection. Given the clinical scenario, the nurse should prioritize addressing the client's symptoms and signs that suggest infection and support her well-being postpartum. Here's a breakdown of the appropriate actions:

B. Initiate airborne isolation precautions.

• Not necessary in this case. The client's symptoms and signs do not suggest an airborne infectious disease.

C. Place the client on strict bedrest.

• This is not necessary. While rest is important, strict bedrest may not be required and could increase the risk of other complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

D. Instruct the client to stop breastfeeding.

• Not necessary unless there is a specific contraindication. Instead, the nurse can provide support and advice on managing engorgement and breastfeeding difficulties.

Choice A rationale

Cesarean birth is not necessarily required for GBS-positive clients as long as IV antibiotic prophylaxis is administered during labor to prevent transmission to the newborn.

Choice B rationale

IV antibiotic prophylaxis, typically with penicillin or ampicillin, is given to GBS-positive clients during labor to prevent neonatal GBS infection.

Choice C rationale

Obtaining a vaginal culture at 39 weeks of gestation is not necessary if the client was already screened and found positive for GBS at 36 weeks.

Choice D rationale

Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, not GBS infection; thus, it is not appropriate for this scenario. .