Which of the following findings would be most concerning to the nurse caring for a newborn?

A. Ask the patient to empty her bladder:
A boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus is often a sign of bladder distention. A full bladder can push the uterus out of its normal position, preventing it from contracting properly and leading to uterine atony. Asking the patient to empty her bladder is the most appropriate initial action, as it can help reposition the uterus and promote uterine contraction, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

B. Notify the MD about an impending hemorrhage:
While a boggy, displaced uterus can be a sign of uterine atony and the risk of hemorrhage, the first action should be to address the likely cause—bladder distention. Emptying the bladder may resolve the issue and help the uterus contract. Notifying the healthcare provider may be necessary later if other complications arise, but it’s not the most immediate intervention in this situation.

C. Assess blood pressure and pulse:
Assessing vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse, is important for monitoring the patient’s overall condition, especially if there is suspicion of hemorrhage. However, this is a secondary action after addressing the immediate problem (bladder distention). The priority is to help the uterus contract and reposition it before worrying about potential hemorrhage.

D. Evaluate lochia:
Evaluating lochia is an important step in assessing the patient’s postpartum status, especially to monitor for excessive bleeding. However, the immediate concern in this case is the displaced uterus, which is most likely due to bladder distention. The most effective action would be to address the bladder fullness first. After addressing this, lochia should be assessed to monitor for bleeding.

A) Dry the infant thoroughly and place on mom skin to skin:
The priority intervention for a newborn immediately after birth is to dry the infant thoroughly and promote skin-to-skin contact with the mother. Drying the infant helps prevent heat loss, a major concern for newborns as they are at risk of hypothermia due to their large body surface area relative to their weight. Skin-to-skin contact not only helps maintain the newborn's body temperature but also promotes bonding, regulates heart rate, and supports breastfeeding initiation. This is the most critical step in the immediate post-birth period.
B) Determine Apgar Score:
While assessing the newborn with the Apgar score is an important task, it is usually done within the first minute and five minutes after birth. However, ensuring the infant’s warmth and stability by drying and placing the baby on the mother's chest should take priority. The Apgar score can be recorded after ensuring that the newborn is stable and appropriately warmed.

C) Encourage mother to begin breastfeeding:
Encouraging breastfeeding is an important aspect of newborn care, as it provides essential nutrients and promotes bonding. However, skin-to-skin contact and ensuring the infant is warm and stable take precedence over breastfeeding initiation. Once the baby is stable and has been dried and placed on the mother’s chest, breastfeeding can begin naturally.

D) Administer medication for eye prophylaxis:
Administering eye prophylaxis (typically erythromycin or tetracycline ointment) is important to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia. However, this is a secondary concern compared to maintaining the newborn's temperature and ensuring initial bonding. The medication can be administered after the initial stabilizing interventions have been completed.