A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hour postpartum and has uterine atony. The client is exhibiting a large amount of vaginal bleeding.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Frequent urination is a common symptom in early pregnancy due to increased blood flow to the woman’s kidneys. While it can be inconvenient, it is usually not a sign of a serious problem.
Choice B rationale
Periodic tingling of the fingers can be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is common during pregnancy due to fluid retention causing pressure on the median nerve. While it can be uncomfortable, it is usually not a serious concern.
Choice C rationale
Back pain following intercourse can be a normal symptom of pregnancy due to hormonal changes and stretching of ligaments. It is usually not a cause for immediate concern.
Choice D rationale
Severe vomiting in early pregnancy could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and weight loss. This is a potentially serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Choice A rationale
The newborn’s symptoms of jitteriness, weak cry, mottled extremities with acrocyanosis, and rapid, unlabored respirations are indicative of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia in the newborn period can be caused by several factors, including maternal diabetes (gestational or pre- existing), preterm birth, and sepsis. The nurse should take actions to address this condition, such as ensuring the newborn is warm, initiating early feeding to provide the newborn with glucose, and monitoring blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. NAS can cause a wide range of symptoms such as excessive crying, poor feeding, and seizures. However, the symptoms described in the question are more indicative of hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Cold stress can occur in newborns who are unable to maintain their body temperature within a normal range. While some of the symptoms described, such as mottled skin and acrocyanosis, can occur with cold stress, the presence of jitteriness and a weak cry are more indicative of hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies and is caused by a lack of surfactant in the lungs. While rapid, unlabored respirations can be a sign of RDS, the other symptoms described in the question, such as jitteriness and a weak cry, are not typically associated with RDS2.