A full-term, 24-hour-old infant in the nursery regurgitates and suddenly turns cyanotic. Which immediate intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement?
Turn the infant onto the right side.
Suction the oral and nasal passages.
Give oxygen by positive pressure.
Stimulate the infant to cry.
The Correct Answer is B
In this scenario, the sudden regurgitation and cyanosis in a 24-hour-old infant indicate a potential airway obstruction or compromise. The immediate priority is to clear the airway and ensure adequate ventilation.
Suctioning the oral and nasal passages helps remove any potential obstruction or mucus that may be causing the cyanosis. This intervention aims to restore normal airflow and prevent further respiratory distress in the infant.
Let's briefly evaluate the other options:
a) Turn the infant onto the right side.
Positioning the infant onto the right side does not directly address the potential airway obstruction or cyanosis. While positioning may have some benefit in certain situations, such as facilitating drainage, it is not the most appropriate immediate intervention in this case.
c) Give oxygen by positive pressure.
Administering oxygen by positive pressure may be necessary if the infant's oxygen saturation remains low after suctioning and clearing the airway. However, suctioning should be the initial intervention to address any potential airway obstruction or mucus before considering oxygen administration.
d) Stimulate the infant to cry.
Stimulating the infant to cry is not the appropriate intervention in this case. It does not directly address the potential airway obstruction or cyanosis. Crying requires a patent airway, and if the infant is already cyanotic, it suggests an obstruction or inadequate ventilation. Therefore, suctioning and clearing the airway take precedence over stimulating the infant to cry.
In summary, when a full-term, 24-hour-old infant in the nursery regurgitates and suddenly turns cyanotic, the practical nurse should immediately suction the oral and nasal passages to clear any potential airway obstruction or mucus. This intervention aims to restore normal airflow and ensure adequate ventilation for the infant.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Gradual onset of several hours is not a manifestation of a hemorrhagic strokE. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel bursts in or near the brain, causing rapid bleeding and increased intracranial pressurE.
Choice B reason: Maintains consciousness is not a manifestation of a hemorrhagic strokE. Hemorrhagic strokes often cause loss of consciousness due to compression or damage of brain tissuE.
Choice C reason: Sudden severe headache is a manifestation of a hemorrhagic strokE. Hemorrhagic strokes can cause intense pain in the head due to bleeding and pressure on nerve endings.
Choice D reason: History of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hour is not a manifestation of a hemorrhagic strokE. Neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hour are more indicative of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is caused by temporary blockage or narrowing of blood vessels in or leading to the brain.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Seizure precauons are measures taken to protect a client who is at risk of having a seizure, which is a sudden and abnormal electrical acvity in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movement, sensaon, or consciousness. Seizure precauons include providing a safe environment, monitoring the client's vital signs and neurological status, administering anconvulsant medicaons, and documenng the onset, duraon, and characteriscs of any seizure acvity³.
One of the potenal complicaons of a seizure is aspiraon, which is the inhalaon of foreign material into the lungs, such as saliva, vomit, or food. Aspiraon can cause choking, pneumonia, or respiratory distress. To prevent or treat aspiraon, the praccal nurse (PN) should ensure the ready availability of equipment to perform suconing of the trachea, which is the tube that connects the mouth and nose to the lungs. Suconing of the trachea involves inserng a catheter through the nose or mouth into the trachea and applying negave pressure to remove any secreons or debris from the airway.
Therefore, opon A is the correct answer, while opons B, C, and D are incorrect.
Opon B is incorrect because inserng a urinary catheter is not related to seizure precauons or aspiraon prevenon.
Opon C is incorrect because applying so restraints may not be necessary or appropriate for a client who requires seizure precauons, as they may interfere with the natural movements of the seizure or cause injury to the client.
Opon D is incorrect because inserng a nasogastric tube is not related to seizure precauons or aspiraon prevenon.
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