Following an amniocentesis, a client verbalizes several concerns.
Which reported finding indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication from the amniocentesis?

Choice A rationale

Palpating the suprapubic area to assess fetal head position is not relevant to identifying the source of fluid leakage. This technique is used to evaluate fetal engagement in the pelvis, particularly near term, but it does not help in determining whether the fluid leakage is amniotic fluid or urine.

Choice B rationale

Scanning the bladder for urinary retention is unrelated to identifying the nature of fluid leakage. A bladder scan is useful for detecting residual urine volume in the bladder, often post-voiding, and is typically used in cases of urinary retention or post-operative care.

Choice C rationale

Testing the fluid with a nitrazine strip is a standard method to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or vaginal secretions. Amniotic fluid has a higher pH (usually between 7.0 and 7.5), causing the nitrazine strip to turn blue, whereas urine and vaginal secretions usually have a lower pH, resulting in a yellow or green color on the strip.

Choice D rationale

Inserting a straight urinary catheter to drain the bladder is an invasive procedure that does not directly identify the source of fluid leakage. This technique is typically used to relieve urinary retention or to collect a sterile urine specimen, not for diagnosing amniotic fluid leakage.

Choice A rationale

Obtaining consent for the Hepatitis B vaccine is a necessary step in the newborn's care, but it is not the immediate priority for a newborn exposed to HIV. The focus should be on preventing HIV transmission from mother to child.

Choice B rationale

Collecting a venous specimen for serum glucose level is important for assessing the newborn's metabolic status, but it does not directly address the immediate need to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Choice C rationale

Assessing for the presence of the Moro reflex is part of a routine newborn examination and is important for evaluating the neurological status of the newborn. However, it does not address the immediate priority of HIV prophylaxis.

Choice D rationale

Ensuring that zidovudine is given within 6 hours after birth is critical for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Early administration of antiretroviral medication is essential to prevent viral replication and transmission to the newborn.