A nurse assesses a breastfeeding newborn with an 11% weight loss 48 hours after birth. Which finding should be reported to the provider?

In this scenario, the appropriate finding to report to the provider is the observation of depressed fontanels. In newborns, the fontanels (the soft spots on the head) are important indicators of hydration status and overall health. Depressed fontanels can signify inadequate hydration or fluid loss, which may be particularly concerning in a breastfeeding newborn who is experiencing significant weight loss.

An 11% weight loss in the first 48 hours after birth exceeds the expected range for newborns, typically around 5-10% of birth weight, making the assessment of hydration status critical. Depressed fontanels may also indicate that the infant is not receiving enough breast milk, which further exacerbates the risk of dehydration.

In contrast, active bowel sounds, normal skin color, and stable temperature do not indicate immediate concerns in this situation. Active bowel sounds suggest normal gastrointestinal function, normal skin color indicates adequate perfusion and oxygenation, and stable temperature suggests that the infant is thermoregulating appropriately. Therefore, these findings would not require immediate reporting to the provider.