What should the nurse do next after noting two vessels in a newborn's umbilical cord?

When a nurse notes two vessels in a newborn's umbilical cord, this finding is clinically significant. Normally, a newborn's umbilical cord contains three vessels: two arteries and one vein. The presence of only two vessels, a condition known as single umbilical artery (SUA), can be associated with various complications and congenital anomalies.

Recognizing the potential concerns associated with this condition warrants immediate attention from a pediatrician or a healthcare provider involved in the newborn's care. The pediatrician will need to assess the baby further and possibly conduct additional evaluations to rule out any associated anomalies, such as cardiac defects or renal issues that can occur with SUA.

Other options, such as listening to the heart sounds, checking pulse oximetry, or starting an IV, may be relevant depending on the clinical picture, but the priority in this scenario is to ensure that a qualified practitioner is alerted to assess the newborn comprehensively. In this context, calling the pediatrician is the most appropriate next step.