A newborn is jaundiced and receivesphototherapy via ultraviolet bank lights.
An appropriate nursing intervention when caring for an infant with hyperbilirubinemia and receiving phototherapy by this method would be to:
Apply an oil-based lotion to the newborn’s skin to prevent drying and cracking.
Limit the newborn’s intake of milk to prevent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Place eye shields over the newborn’s closed eyes.
Change the newborn’s position every 4 hours.
The Correct Answer is C
Placing eye shields over the newborn’s closed eyes. This is because phototherapy can cause eye damage and irritation to the newborn, so eye protection is essential.
Choice A is wrong because oil-based lotion can increase the absorption of heat and cause burns to the newborn’s skin.
Choice B is wrong because limiting the newborn’s intake of milk can cause dehydration and increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia.
Choice D is wrong because changing the newborn’s position every 4 hours is not frequent enough to prevent pressure ulcers and ensure even exposure to the light.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels in newborns are 1 to 12 mg/dL for term infants and 3 to 14 mg/dL for preterm infants. Phototherapy is usually indicated when the bilirubin level exceeds 15 mg/dL for term infants and 10 mg/dL for preterm infants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Assess the parents’ anxiety level and readiness to learn. This is because the nurse needs to evaluate the parent’s emotional state and their ability to comprehend and retain information before providing any teaching.
The nurse should also consider the parent'slearning style, cultural background, and literacy level.
Choice B is wrong because gathering literature for the parents is not the first action. The nurse should first assess the parents’ needs and preferences and then select appropriate materials that match their level of understanding and language.
Choice C is wrong because securing a quiet place for teaching is not the first action. The nurse should first assess the parents’ readiness to learn and then choose a suitable environment that minimizes distractions and promotes comfort.
Choice D is wrong because discussing the plan with the nursing team is not the first action. The nurse should first assess the parents’ anxiety level and readiness to learn and then collaborate with other health care professionals to provide consistent and accurate information.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Drying the baby after birth and wrapping the baby in a dry blanket
This prevents evaporative heat loss, which occurs when water on the skin surface evaporates and cools the skin. Evaporative heat loss is especially significant in newborns because they are wet at birth and have a large surface area relative to their body mass.
Choice B is wrong because it addresses convective heat loss, which occurs when air currents blow over the skin and carry away heat.
Convective heat loss can be prevented by keeping the baby out of drafts and away from air conditioners.
Choice C is wrong because it addresses radiant heat loss, which occurs when heat radiates from the skin to cooler objects in the environment.
Radiant heat loss can be prevented by placing the baby away from the outside wall and the windows.
Choice D is wrong because it addresses conductive heat loss, which occurs when heat transfers from the skin to cooler objects in contact with the skin.
Conductive heat loss can be prevented by warming the stethoscope and the nurse’s hands before touching the baby.
Normal body temperature for a newborn is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).
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