A practical nurse (PN) who works in the nursery is attending the vaginal delivery of a term infant. Which action should the PN complete prior to transporting the baby to the nursery?
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is Choice C. Place the ID bands on the infant and mother. Choice A rationale: While obtaining the infant's vital signs is important, it is not the priority action before transporting the baby to the nursery. Placing ID bands on the infant and mother ensures proper identification and prevents mix-ups during transportation, which is crucial in the nursery setting. Choice B rationale: Administering vitamin K injection is also essential but not the immediate priority before transporting the baby. Vitamin K administration helps prevent bleeding disorders in newborns, but ensuring proper identification and security come first. Choice C rationale: The correct choice. Placing ID bands on the infant and mother is the most important action before transporting the baby to the nursery. This step ensures accurate identification and matching between the baby and the mother, preventing any confusion or errors in the hospital setting. Choice D rationale: Observing the infant latching onto the breast is important for promoting breastfeeding, but it can be done after ensuring proper identification and safety measures have been taken.