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%. The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching. Which client statement shows correct understanding?
Question
A. "I will stop my medications when I feel better."
B. "I do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
C. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."
D. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
Rationale
Correct answer: D. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
Rationale: Effective teaching includes when to seek help for worsening symptoms. Stopping medications or delaying reports are unsafe.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Newborn safety