RN Case Study
The laboring client is admitted to the labor and delivery unit. Her pregnancy is uncomplicated
and she has received routine prenatal care starting at 8 weeks' gestation. After 14 hours of
intense labor, she is physically and emotionally too exhausted to continue unassisted. The
healthcare provider (HCP) uses low forceps to assist with the delivery of the infant. The client
is relieved to have a vaginal delivery of an infant boy at 38 weeks' gestation who weighs 8 lbs
5 oz (3.78 kg). The client’s partner attends the birth and is very supportive during the labor
process.
Which action should the nursery nurse take first in caring for the infant?
Dry the infant quickly with warm blankets
After clearing the airway with a bulb syringe and drying the infant with warming blankets, the nurse
assesses that the infant is breathing and has a HR of 124, but remains cyanotic. What action should the
nurse take?
Prepare to give oxygen
At 1 minute the infant has a heart rate of 130, has a slow weak cry, is grimacing, and has sluggish
movements with acrocyanosis. What Apgar score should the nurse assign?
6
Transition Care
The infant responds well to oxygen, which is discontinued after 10 minutes The family is provided time
to hold and interact with their infant boy. After a time together, the infant is transferred to the
transition care nursery and Mrs. Ivy is taken to the postpartum unit. The family plans on formula feeding
and rooming in with the infant. The infant is immediately placed on the scale prior to being placed on
the radiant warmer.
After receiving the labor and delivery report, which information should direct the nurse to further
assessment of the infant's head?
Low forceps delivery
Which action should the nurse take prior to weighing the infant?
Place a cover on the scale
, Which part of infant care should the nurse delay?
Giving eye prophylaxis
The infant's vitals include: T 96.8; HR 136 irregular w/ soft murmur; RR 42.
Which action should the nurse take?
Document the finding in the electronic medical record (EMR)
What action should the nurse take when finding that the head measures 36cm and the chest measures
35?
Document the findings in the EMR
Upon examining the infant's extremities, which finding should the nurse report to the HCP?
Diminished movement in one arm
The nurse performs a newborn assessment and evaluates the infant's reflexes. How does the nurse
perform the Moro reflex?
Slightly raise the infant's head and trunk and allow the infant to drop back 30 degrees
When the nurse conducts a gestational age assessment, which findings may indicate post-maturity?
Peeling, parchment-like skin
Thin with loose skin and little subcutaneous fat
Deep creases at the base of the toes extending to the heels.
Medication Administration
In the transitional care nursery, the nurse reviews the infant's prescriptions for vitamin K
(Aquamephyton) 0.5 mg IM x one dose and erythromycin (Ilotycin Ophthalmic Ointment) x one dose in
each eye.
While administering Vitamin K to infant, which action should the nurse take?