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 D
Explanation
Give small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration is a common complication of upper respiratory tract infections in infants, especially if they have a fever. Giving small amounts of fluids frequently can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
Some additional information about the other choices are:
Choice A is wrong because tepid water baths are not recommended for fever reduction. They can cause shivering, which increases heat production and can raise the
temperature further. Instead, antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given as prescribed.
Choice B is wrong because food intake may be decreased due to poor appetite, difficulty breathing, or sore throat. Forcing food intake can cause vomiting or aspiration. Fluid intake is more important than caloric intake during an acute infection.
Choice C is wrong because heavy clothing can increase heat retention and discomfort. The infant should be dressed in light clothing and the room temperature should be comfortable.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
choice A. Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Surfactant is a substance that coats the inner surface of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs.
It reduces the surface tension of the alveoli and prevents them from collapsing during exhalation.
Premature infants often lack enough surfactant, which leads to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Artificial surfactant is given to these infants to help them breathe more easily. Choice B is wrong because surfactant has nothing to do with sedation.
Sedation is a state of reduced consciousness induced by drugs. Surfactant does not affect the level of consciousness of the infant.
Choice C is wrong because surfactant is not used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.
Periodic apnea is a condition where the infant stops breathing for a short time, usually due to immature brainstem function.
Surfactant does not affect the brainstem or the control of breathing.
Choice D is wrong because surfactant is not used to fight a possible respiratory tract infection. Surfactant does not have any antibacterial or antiviral properties.
Surfactant is used to treat RDS, which is caused by a lack of surfactant, not by an infection.
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