NCLEX: A 38-week newborn on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for newborn care on the postpartum unit. Assessment…

Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A 38-week newborn on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for newborn care on the postpartum unit. Assessment data include nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and SpO2 89%. Which intervention best reduces the client's risk of complications?

Question

A. Restrict all movement without individualized assessment.
B. Delay teaching until the day of discharge only.
C. Ignore small changes until they become severe.
D. Identify risk early, implement prevention measures, teach warning signs, and plan timely reassessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: D. Identify risk early, implement prevention measures, teach warning signs, and plan timely reassessment.

Rationale: Risk reduction focuses on early identification, prevention, teaching, and reassessment rather than unnecessary restriction or delay.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Newborn safety