In Scenario Action #5, which action is appropriate to perform before removing identification bands?

• A. Ask the client if there is any specific topic she needs to discuss.
• B. Verify the arms bands for newborn and mother match before removal.
• C. Remove the bands immediately after birth.
• D. Verify the arms bands match after removal.

Answer: (D)

Ensuring correct identification of the mother-newborn dyad is essential to prevent mix-ups during the immediate postpartum period. Verifying that the arm bands match after removal provides a final check that the correct pairing remains associated with the right chart and records as the bands are changed or removed. This post-removal verification helps catch any mislabeling or mix-up that could occur during transition and handoff, maintaining safety for both mother and infant.

Other options don’t align with the safety check needed here. Asking about topics isn’t related to identification. Verifying before removal is useful, but the scenario emphasizes a post-removal verification as the safeguarding step. Removing bands immediately after birth without verification risks losing the correct pairing. Verifying after removal directly supports the continuing accuracy of identification during the transition.