Assessment of a pregnant woman reveals a pigmented vertical line between the umbilicus and the pubis. The nurse documents this finding as:
Select one:

Choice A Reason: Episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. This is because episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are common complications of diabetes during pregnancy, which can affect both the mother and the fetus. Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood glucose level drops below the normal range, which can cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, hunger, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Hyperglycemia is a condition where the blood glucose level rises above the normal range, which can cause symptoms such as thirst, polyuria, fatigue, blurred vision, or ketoacidosis. Diabetes during pregnancy requires careful monitoring and management of blood glucose levels to prevent adverse outcomes such as fetal macrosomia, congenital anomalies, stillbirth, or neonatal hypoglycemia.

Choice B Reason: Postpartum hemorrhage. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different complication that may occur after delivery, not during pregnancy. Postpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding from the uterus or genital tract after delivery, which can cause hypovolemic shock, anemia, or death. Postpartum hemorrhage can be caused by uterine atony, retained placenta, lacerations, or coagulation disorders.

Choice C Reason: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA). This is an incorrect answer that indicates a rare and severe complication that may occur during or after pregnancy, not specifically related to diabetes. CVA is also known as stroke, which is an interruption of blood flow to the brain due to ischemia or hemorrhage, which can cause neurological deficits or death. CVA can be caused by hypertension, preeclampsia-eclampsia, thrombophilia, or vascular malformations.

Choice D Reason: Acute vasospasm. This is an incorrect answer that suggests a different condition that may occur during pregnancy, not associated with diabetes. Acute vasospasm is also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, which is a disorder of blood vessels that causes them to narrow and reduce blood flow to the extremities in response to cold or stress, which can cause pain, numbness, or color changes. Acute vasospasm can be triggered by smoking, medications, or autoimmune diseases.

Choice A Reason: Apical pulse of 148 beats per minute. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal apical pulse for a newborn ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. A high pulse rate may indicate fever, infection, anemia, or dehydration. A low pulse rate may indicate hypothermia, hypoxia, or heart block.

Choice B Reason: Respiratory rate of 40 during sleep. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute. A high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress, infection, or metabolic acidosis. A low respiratory rate may indicate respiratory depression, hypothermia, or narcotic exposure.

Choice C Reason: Skin color jaundiced. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a different condition called jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin that is normally excreted by the liver and kidneys. Jaundice can occur in newborns due to immature liver function, increased red blood cell breakdown, or blood group incompatibility. Jaundice does not affect lung function or oxygenation.

Choice D Reason: Chest retractions. This is because chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress that indicate increased work of breathing and reduced lung compliance. Chest retractions occur when the chest wall sinks in between the ribs or below the sternum during inhalation, creating a negative pressure that helps draw air into the lungs. RDS is a serious condition where the newborn's lungs are immature and lack sufficient surfactant, which is a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse. RDS can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, acidosis, and organ failure. It is more common in preterm infants, especially those born before 37 weeks' gestation.