The nurse is making a follow-up home visit to a woman who is 12 days postpartum. Which finding would the nurse expect when assessing the client's fundus?

A. Deficient fluid volume is not the priority concern at this time. While newborns are at risk for dehydration, there are no indications in the assessment (such as dry mucous membranes or poor feeding) that would suggest deficient fluid volume as the immediate priority.

B. Risk for infection is a concern for all newborns, especially in the first hours of life. However, the information provided does not suggest signs of infection such as fever, lethargy, or abnormal skin color.

C. Impaired parenting may be a concern later on if the parents show difficulty bonding or caring for the infant. However, this is not the immediate priority based on the infant's current assessment.

D. Hypothermia is the priority. The infant’s axillary temperature of 95.8° F (35.4° C) is below the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 97.7° F (36.5° C) and 99.5° F (37.5° C). Hypothermia in newborns can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, metabolic instability, and increased risk for infection. Immediate interventions, such as warming the infant and ensuring a warm environment, are necessary to prevent further complications.

A. Requests time to talk on the phone is more reflective of the "taking in" phase, where the mother is focused on herself and her own needs, such as resting and reflecting on the birth experience. This phase typically involves less engagement with the baby and more focus on recovery.

B. Hesitates to initiate contact with the newborn is characteristic of the "taking in" phase as well. During this phase, the mother may still be adjusting and may not yet feel confident in caring for her baby, often focusing more on her own recovery.

C. Allows staff to perform most of the infant's care is also more indicative of the "taking in" phase. During this phase, the mother is still learning and may feel less confident, often relying on others to care for the newborn.

D. Questions the nurse about frequency of feeding for the newborn is a behavior typically seen in the "taking hold" phase. During this phase, the mother becomes more active in caring for the baby, taking responsibility for its care, and showing interest in learning about the baby’s needs (such as feeding). This phase involves a shift toward becoming more independent and engaged in infant care.