Question

The nurse is performing postdelivery care of a newborn delivered at 35 weeks gestation. Which of the following actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.

1.Covers the scale with warmed blankets before weighing the newborn
2.Encourages skin-to-skin contact between the stable newborn and mother
3.Performs diaper changes underneath a radiant warmer
4.Places the identification band on the newborn before beginning to dry off amniotic fluid
5.Transfers the swaddled newborn to the neonatal intensive care unit in an open bassinet

Answer 1

Appropriate actions for postdelivery care of a newborn delivered at 35 weeks gestation include covering the scale with warmed blankets, encouraging skin-to-skin contact, and performing diaper changes under a radiant warmer. Placing the identification band before drying the newborn and transferring the baby in an open bassinet are not appropriate.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing postdelivery care of a newborn delivered at 35 weeks gestation, there are specific actions a nurse must take to ensure the newborn's health and stability. Actions that are appropriate include:

• Covers the scale with warmed blankets before weighing the newborn to prevent heat loss and ensure the maintenance of the newborn's body temperature.
• Encourages skin-to-skin contact between the stable newborn and mother to enhance bonding, stabilize the newborn's temperature, and promote the initiation of breastfeeding.
• Performs diaper changes underneath a radiant warmer to maintain the newborn's body temperature and prevent hypothermia, which is crucial for premature infants.

Incorrect actions that are not appropriate include:

• Placing the identification band on the newborn before drying off the amniotic fluid. The newborn should first be dried to prevent heat loss and reduce the risk of hypothermia.
• Transferring the swaddled newborn to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in an open bassinet. An open bassinet doesn't provide protection against cold, and it's important for the newborn, especially preterm, to be transported in an enclosed and ideally thermally controlled environment.