A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a postpartum client about caring for her 5-day-old male newborn at home. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet (acrocyanosis) is common in newborns and usually resolves within the first few days of life. It is not typically a priority unless it persists or is accompanied by other signs of distress.

Choice B rationale: Overlapping of the cranial bones (craniosynostosis) requires monitoring but is not an immediate priority unless there are signs of increased intracranial pressure.

Choice C rationale: Forward and lateral positioning of the ears can be indicative of certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome. This finding is significant as it can signal the need for further evaluation and intervention to address any associated health concerns.

Choice D rationale: Small, distended white sebaceous glands on the face (milia) are common in newborns and resolve on their own without intervention.

Choice A rationale:

Measuring the abdominal circumference at the level of the newborn's umbilicus every 12 hr is a critical action in this scenario. The newborn has necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal condition, and measuring abdominal circumference can help monitor for changes in abdominal distention, which is a sign of NEC progression.

Choice B rationale:

Inserting an orogastric decompression tube with low wall suction may not be the most appropriate action for a newborn with NEC. While decompression tubes can be used in some cases of NEC, their insertion should be guided by specific clinical indications, and not all cases require them.

Choice C rationale:

Providing the newborn with an iron-rich formula containing vitamin B12 every 2 hr is not indicated for NEC. NEC requires specialized medical management and treatment, which may include bowel rest and other interventions, but providing iron-rich formula is not one of them.

Choice D rationale:

Administering nitric oxide inhalation therapy is not relevant to the management of NEC. Nitric oxide inhalation therapy is used for respiratory conditions, particularly persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and does not address the gastrointestinal issues seen in NEC.