A nurse is caring for a client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and has received two doses of terbutaline subcutaneously.Which of the following adverse effects is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

The nurse should identify that the client is at the greatest risk for preterm birth due to:

Response 1: B) being higher than normal (fetal fibronectin: 0.09 mcg/mL is higher than the normal level of ≤ 0.05 mcg/mL).

Response 2: B) Nitrazine and ferning tests negative

Here's the

• Fetal Fibronectin: Fetal fibronectin is a protein found between the amniotic sac and the uterine lining. Levels greater than 0.05 mcg/mL (like 0.09 mcg/mL) indicate an increased risk of preterm labor.
• Nitrazine and Ferning Tests: Both tests being negative indicates that there is no rupture of membranes. Even though these tests are negative, the elevated fetal fibronectin level still indicates a risk for preterm birth.

So the completed sentence would be: The nurse should identify that the client is at the greatest risk for preterm birth due to fetal fibronectin being higher than normal and Nitrazine and ferning tests negative.

This combination of findings suggests that preterm labor may be imminent despite the lack of membrane rupture. The elevated fetal fibronectin is a strong indicator of risk.

Choice A rationale

Cooling the newborn’s heel would constrict blood vessels and make it more difficult to obtain a blood sample. Warming the heel is the preferred method to increase blood flow.

Choice B rationale

Puncturing the center of the newborn’s heel is not recommended as it could cause more pain and potential injury to the bone. The puncture should be done on the outer edges of the heel.

Choice C rationale

Cleansing the puncture site with alcohol gauze is essential to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that the sample is not contaminated.

Choice D rationale

Administering vitamin K before each blood draw is unnecessary. Vitamin K is typically given as a one-time dose to prevent bleeding issues, not related to blood draw procedures.