What are the risk factors for neonatal sepsis? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.).

Choice A reason:

A soft fundus indicates uterine atony, which is a lack of muscle tone that can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. A soft fundus is an abnormal finding and should be reported to the provider. The fundus should be firm and contracted to prevent bleeding.

Choice B reason:

A fundus that is 2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus is too high for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. The fundus should descend about 1 centimeter per hour after delivery and should be at the level of the umbilicus at 12 hours postpartum. A high fundus could indicate retained placental fragments or a full bladder, both of which can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding.

Choice C reason:

A fundus that is deviated to the right of the umbilicus is also an abnormal finding for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. A deviated fundus could indicate a full bladder, which can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly. The fundus should be at the midline of the abdomen.

Choice D reason:

A fundus that is firm and at the level of the umbilicus is a normal finding for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. This indicates that the uterus is involuting (returning to its pre-pregnancy size and shape) and that there is no excessive bleeding. The nurse should expect this finding and document it accordingly.

Choice A reason:

Preterm birth is a major risk factor for neonatal sepsis, especially early-onset sepsis. Preterm babies have immature immune systems and lack antibodies to protect them against certain bacteria.

Choice B reason:

Cesarean birth is not a risk factor for neonatal sepsis by itself, unless it is associated with other factors such as prolonged rupture of membranes, maternal infection or chorioamnionitis.

Choice C reason:

Precipitous delivery is a risk factor for neonatal sepsis, especially early-onset sepsis. Precipitous delivery can cause fetal distress, hypoxia, acidosis and increased susceptibility to infection.

Choice D reason:

Frequent vaginal exams are a risk factor for neonatal sepsis, especially early-onset sepsis. Frequent vaginal exams can introduce bacteria into the amniotic fluid and increase the risk of ascending infection.

Choice E reason:

Mother has GBS infection is a risk factor for neonatal sepsis, especially early-onset sepsis. GBS (group B streptococcus) is the most common cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis and can be transmitted from the mother to the baby during labor and delivery.