A nurse is preparing to measure the baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) on a client in labor.
Which of the following statements is NOT accurate regarding baseline fetal heart rates?

Choice A rationale

Weighing an infant's diaper for output is a task suitable for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) because it involves data collection rather than clinical judgment or critical thinking. The results can be recorded and reported to the nurse for further assessment and interpretation.

Choice B rationale

Assessing a post-operative dressing requires clinical judgment to identify signs of infection, dehiscence, or other complications. This task is within the scope of a licensed nurse and should not be delegated to UAP to ensure patient safety.

Choice C rationale

Calculating the Morse Fall Scale involves understanding and interpreting risk factors, which requires critical thinking and clinical judgment. It is inappropriate for delegation to UAP, as they are not trained to analyze or interpret clinical data.

Choice D rationale

Performing an assessment of a child's developmental milestones requires knowledge of growth and development patterns, as well as clinical judgment to interpret findings. This task is outside the scope of UAP and must be performed by a licensed nurse.

Choice A rationale

Postpartum depression is more likely in individuals with a history of depression due to predisposing factors such as neurochemical imbalances and psychosocial stressors. Pregnancy and childbirth exacerbate these vulnerabilities through hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and new parenting stress. Early identification of at-risk populations is critical to prevent severe outcomes and promote maternal mental health.

Choice B rationale

Psychotic behavior is not a common feature of postpartum depression. It is more characteristic of postpartum psychosis, a rare and severe condition that requires immediate intervention. Postpartum depression primarily manifests as feelings of sadness, anxiety, and difficulty bonding with the infant, rather than psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations.

Choice C rationale

Harming the infant is not the most common manifestation of postpartum depression. While intrusive thoughts may occur, the condition primarily presents with emotional symptoms such as hopelessness, guilt, and fatigue. Focused therapy can address these feelings and help prevent rare but severe outcomes involving harm.

Choice D rationale

Postpartum depression typically develops within 1–4 weeks after delivery, with symptoms often emerging gradually. The claim that it begins within 48 hours is inaccurate and more representative of the "baby blues," a transient and less severe condition. Accurate diagnosis involves monitoring symptom progression over time. .