The nurse is caring for a newborn who is 18 inches long, weighs 4 pounds, 14 ounces (2.2 kg), has a head circumference of 13 inches (33 cm), and a chest circumference of 10 inches (25.4 cm). Based on these physical findings, assessment for which condition has the highest priority?

Condition: Preeclampsia with severe features.

2 actions:

Administer magnesium sulfate as prescribed,

Monitor for signs of magnesium toxicity.

2 parameters:

Urine output of at least 30 mL/hour,

Deep tendon reflexes.

Rationale for correct condition: Preeclampsia with severe features is indicated by the elevated blood pressure of 170/98 mm Hg and the need for magnesium sulfate. The goal is to prevent eclampsia and manage severe preeclampsia symptoms. The variable decelerations noted in the fetal heart rate are consistent with preeclampsia. The client's blood pressure is critically high, requiring immediate intervention. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in severe preeclampsia.

Rationale for actions: Administering magnesium sulfate is essential to prevent seizures associated with severe preeclampsia. It stabilizes the client and reduces the risk of eclampsia. Monitoring for signs of magnesium toxicity ensures safe administration. Symptoms like respiratory depression and loss of reflexes indicate toxicity, requiring dose adjustment. Preparing for an emergency cesarean section is not immediately necessary. Placing the client in a supine position can worsen blood pressure. Restricting fluid intake is not a priority without signs of fluid overload.

Rationale for parameters: Monitoring urine output ensures kidney function and fluid balance. Preeclampsia can affect renal function, making this parameter critical. Deep tendon reflexes help assess neurological status and detect magnesium toxicity early. Changes in reflexes guide dosage adjustments. Fetal heart rate variability is important but secondary here. Oxygen saturation is stable and less relevant. Serum magnesium levels above 8 mg/dL indicate toxicity and are not the target.

Rationale for incorrect conditions: Gestational hypertension involves elevated blood pressure without severe features or the need for magnesium sulfate. Placental abruption would present with more severe pain and bleeding. Preterm labor does not align with the focus on hypertension and magnesium sulfate use.

Choice A rationale

Bathing the newborn in warm water and swaddling in 2 blankets is not the best immediate action to prevent cold stress. While keeping the newborn warm is crucial, bathing immediately after birth can lead to rapid heat loss, and swaddling alone may not provide sufficient warmth.

Choice B rationale

Placing the newborn on a radiant warmer is an effective method to prevent cold stress, but it is not as beneficial as skin-to-skin contact, which provides both warmth and bonding. Radiant warmers are used primarily in situations where the infant requires stabilization or when skin-to-skin is not feasible.

Choice C rationale

Maintaining a room temperature above 70° F (21.1° C) helps to create a warmer environment, but it does not address the immediate need to prevent heat loss in the newborn. Room temperature alone may not be adequate to prevent cold stress, especially in preterm or low birth weight infants.

Choice D rationale

Drying off the newborn and placing them skin-to-skin with the mother is highly effective in preventing cold stress. This technique promotes thermal regulation through direct skin contact, which transfers body heat from the mother to the infant, stabilizes body temperature, and supports bonding and breastfeeding.