A nurse is preparing to administer phytonadione 0.5 mg to a newborn. Which of the following routes should the nurse choose for administration of the medication?

Choice A rationale:
The nurse should use fingers to exert upward pressure on the presenting part to relieve cord compression, which is the immediate priority in this emergency situation.
Choice B rationale:
Administering a tocolytic medication is not the immediate priority. It may be done later to inhibit uterine contractions.
Choice C rationale:
Applying oxygen to the client is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to relieve cord compression first.
Choice D rationale:
Wrapping the cord in a sterile towel and moistening with warm sterile normal saline is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to relieve cord compression first.

• Color: Consistent with genetic background

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: The newborn’s color being consistent with their genetic background indicates a normal adjustment and is not a sign of deterioration. This suggests improvement from the initial condition of acrocyanosis.

• Axillary Temperature: 36.3°C (97.4°F)

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: The axillary temperature is within the normal range (36.1°C to 37.2°C), which is a positive sign and suggests that the newborn is maintaining normal body temperature.

• Reflex Irritability: Cry

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: A good cry indicates normal reflex irritability and is a positive sign of neurological and overall well-being.

• Muscle Tone: Flaccid

  • Interpretation: C) Sign of potential worsening condition
  • Rationale: Flaccid muscle tone is concerning as it might indicate a worsening condition or potential neurological issues. It is less typical for muscle tone to be flaccid after the initial adjustment period.

• Respiration Effort: Good cry

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: A good cry indicates effective respiration and is a positive sign of the newborn’s respiratory status.

• Heart Rate: 140/min

  • Interpretation: B) Sign of potential improvement
  • Rationale: The heart rate is within the normal range for newborns (120-160/min), indicating that the cardiovascular system is functioning properly.