A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and whose fetus is in the right occiput posterior position. The client is dilated to 8 cm and reports back pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

Confirming the newborn's Apgar score is important for assessing the newborn's overall condition, but it may not be the first priority.

Choice B Reason:

Verifying the newborn's identification is appropriate. Ensuring accurate identification is a crucial step in newborn care to prevent errors and ensure that interventions are carried out on the correct infant.

Choice C Reason:

Administering vitamin K is a standard practice but can wait until after the newborn's identification is confirmed.

Choice D Reason:

Determining obstetrical risk factors is part of the overall assessment but is not the immediate priority in this situation.

Choice A Reason:

Bilirubin 9 mg/dL is correct. A bilirubin level of 9 mg/dL in a newborn, especially at 4 hours old, is elevated and needs prompt attention. High bilirubin levels in newborns can be indicative of jaundice, and severe jaundice may lead to complications such as kernicterus. Monitoring and managing bilirubin levels are crucial to prevent potential neurologic damage.

Choice B Reason:

Hemoglobin 15 g/dL is incorrect. This hemoglobin level is within the normal range for a newborn. It's important to note that newborns often have higher hemoglobin levels shortly after birth, and this value is consistent with normal physiological ranges.

Choice C Reason:

Platelets 175,000/mm³ is incorrect. A platelet count of 175,000/mm³ is within the normal range for a newborn. There is no immediate concern based on this platelet count.

Choice D Reason:

Hematocrit 45% is incorrect. A hematocrit level of 45% is within the normal range for a newborn. Like hemoglobin, hematocrit levels can be higher in newborns shortly after birth, and this value falls within the expected range.