A new mother asks the nurse why her infant son has a needle mark on his leg.Which response is best for the nurse to provide this mother?
Vitamin K was administered SUBQ in the thigh to act as a blood coagulant.
Your baby was given an injection of vitamin K to prevent bleeding.
Your baby had blood drawn to determine his hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
We usually use the thigh when administering injections to infants.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While vitamin K is indeed administered to newborns to help with blood clotting, it is given intramuscularly (IM) and not subcutaneously (SUBQ). Subcutaneous injections are not typically used for administering vitamin K to newborns due to absorption issues.
Choice B rationale
Vitamin K is given to newborns to prevent bleeding disorders, as they are born with low levels of this essential vitamin. This is a standard practice to prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) in newborns.
Choice C rationale
Blood drawing is a common procedure in newborns, but it usually involves a heel stick, not a needle mark in the thigh. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are generally checked to assess the baby's blood count, not for vitamin K administration.
Choice D rationale
While the thigh is a common site for injections in infants, this response does not address the mother's concern about the specific reason for the needle mark. It is important to provide a clear and direct explanation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring hourly blood pressure is essential, but it is not the most crucial data in this scenario. Blood pressure monitoring can help identify maternal hypotension or hypertension, which can affect uteroplacental blood flow. However, hypotonic dystocia requires monitoring contractions to assess labor progression and effectiveness of oxytocin.
Choice B rationale
Preparing for an emergency cesarean birth is a potential intervention if labor does not progress or if fetal distress occurs. However, it is not the primary data to monitor initially. The decision for a cesarean is based on a comprehensive assessment, including fetal heart rate patterns and contraction quality.
Choice C rationale
Checking the perineum for bulging may indicate imminent delivery or fetal descent. However, in the context of hypotonic dystocia, the primary concern is evaluating contraction patterns to ensure the effectiveness of oxytocin in augmenting labor.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the intensity, interval, and length of contractions is the most critical data in this case. Hypotonic dystocia involves weak, infrequent, or irregular contractions. Oxytocin is administered to strengthen and regularize contractions, so assessing their characteristics is crucial to determine the response to treatment and guide further interventions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hypoglycemia is a common concern for newborns with low birth weight. Their glucose reserves are limited, and they have a higher metabolic rate, making them prone to low blood sugar levels.
Choice B rationale
Polycythemia, an increased red blood cell count, is not typically a primary concern based on the measurements given. It is more commonly associated with conditions like delayed cord clamping or maternal diabetes.
Choice C rationale
Hyperthermia is not a primary concern based on the provided measurements. Thermoregulation issues might arise, but initial focus should be on managing glucose levels.
Choice D rationale
Hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice, can occur in newborns but is not the immediate priority based on the given physical findings. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels is more critical in the initial hours after birth.
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