A nurse is assessing a term newborn who is 48 hours old.

The mother has a history of opioid use during pregnancy and was prescribed methadone.

Based on the findings 24 hours later, how should the nurse interpret the findings?

Choice A rationale
Applying oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula may be beneficial for a client experiencing hypotension following the administration of epidural anesthesia, but it is not the primary action a nurse should take.
Choice B rationale
Massaging the client’s fundus is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when a client is hypotensive following the administration of epidural anesthesia.
Choice C rationale
Turning the client to a side-lying position is a recommended intervention for hypotension following epidural anesthesia. This position helps improve venous return to the heart and can help alleviate hypotension by reducing aortocaval compression.
Choice D rationale
Assisting the client to empty their bladder may be beneficial in certain circumstances, but it is not the primary action a nurse should take when a client is hypotensive following the administration of epidural anesthesia.

Choice A rationale
If a nurse notes a steady trickle of vaginal bleeding that does not stop with fundal massage after a cesarean birth, administering a 500 mL lactated Ringer’s IV bolus can help increase the client’s circulating volume and support her hemodynamic stability. This is often the first step in managing postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
While evaluating urinary output is an important aspect of postoperative care, it would not directly address the issue of ongoing vaginal bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Applying an ice pack to the incision site can help reduce swelling and provide some pain relief, but it would not address the issue of vaginal bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Replacing the surgical dressing is part of routine postoperative care, but it would not directly address the issue of ongoing vaginal bleeding.