A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who is in active labor on December 26. The client reports their last menstrual period was around April 1. Which of the following ages is the anticipated gestational age of the fetus?

Choice A rationale

The critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening is typically performed when the newborn is between 24 and 48 hours of age, or just prior to discharge if that occurs earlier. Performing the test too early, such as between 6 and 12 hours, might yield false negative results due to the persistence of transitional circulation.

Choice B rationale

The results of the CCHD screening are typically available immediately, or within a few minutes, as it involves pulse oximetry readings. There is no waiting period of 1 to 2 weeks for the results, allowing for prompt identification and management of potential cardiac defects, preventing delays in care.

Choice C rationale

The CCHD screening specifically compares the oxygen saturation in the newborn's right hand (pre-ductal) and either foot (post-ductal). A significant difference between these two readings can indicate a shunt or obstruction within the heart or great vessels, suggesting a potential critical congenital heart defect.

Choice D rationale

Collecting a blood sample from the newborn's heel is the procedure for the newborn metabolic screening, which screens for various genetic and metabolic disorders, not the critical congenital heart disease screening. The CCHD screening is a non-invasive test performed using pulse oximetry.

Choice A rationale

Bilirubin levels are typically monitored by a healthcare professional and not by parents at home every 6 hours. The frequency of bilirubin checks for a newborn receiving home phototherapy is usually determined by the healthcare provider based on the infant's bilirubin trajectory and clinical status, often daily or as prescribed.

Choice B rationale

Offering glucose water to newborns is not recommended. Glucose water does not provide adequate nutrition and can interfere with successful breastfeeding or formula feeding by reducing the infant's appetite for nutrient-rich milk. Adequate hydration and nutrition are crucial for bilirubin excretion in jaundiced infants.

Choice C rationale

For biliblanket phototherapy, eye coverings are generally not necessary. The biliblanket emits light from a fiber optic pad that is wrapped around the infant's body, and the light does not directly shine into the baby's eyes, unlike traditional overhead phototherapy lights that require eye protection.

Choice D rationale

Removing the baby from the biliblanket for feedings is appropriate and encouraged. Intermittent breaks for feeding and bonding are permissible as long as the total duration of phototherapy prescribed by the healthcare provider is met. Frequent feedings promote bilirubin excretion through stools.