The nurse assesses a high-risk neonate under a radiant warmer who has an umbilical catheter and identifies that the neonate's feet are blanched. What nursing action should be implemented?

• A. Place socks on infant.
• B. Elevate feet 15 degrees.
• C. Wrap feet loosely in prewarmed blanket.
• D. Report findings to the healthcare provider.

Answer: (D)

Blanching of the feet in a neonate with an umbilical catheter points to reduced distal perfusion, which can occur if the catheter is obstructing arterial flow or malpositioned. The immediate nursing action is to report these findings to the healthcare provider so the catheter can be evaluated and managed to restore circulation and prevent tissue injury. Warming the feet, placing socks, or wrapping may address comfort or warmth but do not fix the underlying perfusion problem and can delay definitive care. Elevating the feet is not appropriate here because it does not address arterial flow and could worsen perfusion. The priority is prompt provider notification for further assessment and intervention.