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?

Assessing vital signs is important but not the most immediate action for heavy postpartum bleeding. It provides information about the client's current status but does not address the bleeding directly.

Choice B rationale

Increasing the IV infusion rate can help manage blood loss by maintaining blood volume, but it is not the first action to take when managing postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice C rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider is important but secondary to addressing the immediate cause of the bleeding. The provider will need information about the client's status and the actions taken to manage the situation.

Choice D rationale

Massaging the fundus is the most immediate and effective action to reduce postpartum hemorrhage. It stimulates uterine contractions, which helps to clamp down on the blood vessels and stop the bleeding.

Choice A rationale

The symptoms of jitteriness, hypotonia, weak cry, and low temperature can indicate hypoglycemia in a newborn. Obtaining a heel stick blood glucose level is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.

Choice B rationale

While keeping the infant warm is important, it does not address the underlying issue of potential hypoglycemia, which needs to be identified and treated promptly.

Choice C rationale

Placing a pulse oximeter on the heel assesses oxygen saturation, which is not directly related to the symptoms described. The primary concern here is glucose level, not oxygen saturation.

Choice D rationale

Documenting the findings is important but does not provide immediate intervention for potential hypoglycemia, which requires urgent glucose level assessment and treatment if necessary. .