Final answer:
The nurse should report grunting during expiration, flaring of nares during inspiration, and blood in the diaper to the neonatologist as these may indicate respiratory distress or serious medical conditions. The deep red colouring on one side of the body also warrants evaluation, while the mottled appearance may be benign but should still be monitored.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessment Findings in a Newborn
The charge nurse's assessment of a 1-day-old female has yielded several findings, and determining which among them should be reported to the neonatologist is critical for the infant's health. Amongst the listed observations, grunting during expiration, flaring of nares during inspiration, and blood in the diaper are the most concerning and should be reported immediately. Grunting can be a sign of respiratory distress, nares flaring can indicate laboured breathing, and blood in the diaper may signal an underlying medical condition that requires prompt attention. These symptoms may be indicative of serious complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, which is why they warrant immediate medical evaluation.
The deep red colouring one side of the body with pale pink on the other side may suggest a circulation issue, such as Harlequin colour change, which while typically benign should still be evaluated by a physician. The lacy and mottled appearance over the entire chest and abdomen, known as cutis marmorata, is often benign and related to immature vasculature, but continuity and context should always be taken into account. In any case, timely communication with a neonatologist is key to ensuring the best care for the newborn.