A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a new mother about the purpose of administering vitamin K to her newborn following delivery. The nurse should explain that the purpose of administering vitamin K is to prevent which of the following complications?

Choice A rationale:

Increasing the rate of the maintenance IV infusion may be a rational action in some situations, but it is not the first priority when dealing with a fetal heart rate deceleration. The priority is to address the deceleration and potential fetal distress promptly.

Choice B rationale:

Administering oxygen using a nonrebreather mask might be beneficial for the client, but it is not the primary action to take when dealing with fetal heart rate deceleration. The priority is to address the deceleration and ensure fetal well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Elevating the client's legs is unlikely to have a significant impact on fetal heart rate deceleration. This action is more relevant in cases of maternal hypotension or when trying to improve venous return to the heart. It is not the first-line intervention for fetal heart rate decelerations.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in the lateral (side-lying) position is the correct action to take first. This position can help relieve pressure on the vena cava, improve blood flow, and increase oxygen supply to the fetus. By changing the client's position, the nurse can potentially resolve the fetal heart rate deceleration and improve fetal well-being.

Choice A rationale:
Severe nausea and vomiting are not indicative of an ectopic pregnancy. While nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in early pregnancy, they are not specific to ectopic pregnancies. These symptoms are more likely associated with typical pregnancy changes.

Choice B rationale:
Pelvic pain is a crucial finding that the nurse should expect in a possible ectopic pregnancy. As the pregnancy implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, it can cause sharp and severe pain in the pelvic region. This pain may be unilateral and can be accompanied by shoulder pain due to blood or fluid irritating the diaphragm.

Choice C rationale:
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not likely in an ectopic pregnancy. In fact, uterine enlargement may not be noticeable at all in an ectopic pregnancy since the embryo is not developing in the uterus.

Choice D rationale:
Copious vaginal bleeding is more commonly associated with miscarriages or other complications in intrauterine pregnancies. In an ectopic pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may occur, but it is typically lighter and often described as spotting.