What nursing intervention is most appropriate when a mother expresses concerns about her newborn’s meconium passage?

When a mother expresses concerns about her newborn’s passage of meconium, the most appropriate nursing intervention is to educate her about the normal characteristics and progression of meconium. This approach addresses her anxieties by providing reassurance and information regarding what to expect during this stage of their newborn's development. It helps the mother understand that meconium is typically passed within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth and serves as a sign that the newborn's gastrointestinal system is functioning properly.

Educating the mother allows her to actively participate in the care of her newborn and reinforces her understanding of the expected behaviors and physiological processes during the newborn stage. It’s essential to empower parents with knowledge about normal patterns, which can alleviate concerns and foster confidence in their caregiving skills.

In contrast, merely advising the mother to wait for further observation does not provide her with the necessary knowledge and lacks proactive care. Documenting findings is important for medical records, but it does not address the mother's immediate concerns. Contacting a physician immediately may be unnecessary unless there are specific abnormalities or signs of distress, which has not been indicated in this scenario.