A nurse is assessing a newborn's heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Assess the apical pulse while the newborn is crying.
Palpate the radial pulse for 30 seconds.
Listen to the apical pulse while palpating the radial pulse.
Auscultate the apical pulse at least 1 min.
The Correct Answer is D
A is incorrect because assessing the apical pulse while the newborn is crying can result in an inaccurate measurement due to increased heart rate and respiratory rate.
B is incorrect because palpating the radial pulse for 30 seconds is not appropriate for a newborn as it can be difficult to locate and count accurately.
C is incorrect because listening to the apical pulse while palpating the radial pulse is not necessary for a newborn and can be confusing and time-consuming.
D is correct because auscultating the apical pulse at least 1 min is the best way to assess a newborn's heart rate as it provides an accurate and reliable measurement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I'm sure your family does not want you to die." is not a therapeutic response, as it invalidates the client's feelings and imposes the nurse's own assumptions. This choice is incorrect.
B. Why would you believe such things?" is not a therapeutic response, as it sounds judgmental and confrontational, which can increase the client's defensiveness and resistance. This choice is incorrect.
C. "How does this make you feel?" is a therapeutic response, as it encourages the client to express and explore their emotions, which can help to build rapport and trust with the nurse. This choice is correct.
D. "You should talk to your family about your feelings." is not a therapeutic response, as it implies that the client is responsible for resolving their own problems and that their family is willing and able to listen and support them, which may not be true. This choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse: This choice suggests proceeding with medication administration but also informing the charge nurse. While it's important to communicate with the charge nurse regarding medication administration, in this scenario, there is no indication to hold the medication as the infant's heart rate is within the normal range. Therefore, alerting the charge nurse may not be necessary at this point.
b. Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment: This choice suggests holding the medication and documenting the cardiac assessment. However, since the infant's heart rate is within the normal range for their age, there is no clinical indication to hold the medication. Holding the medication unnecessarily could delay treatment and potentially lead to adverse outcomes if the medication is needed.
c. Administer the medication and document the heart rate.
Since the infant's heart rate of 120 beats per minute falls within the normal range for a 2-month-old, there is no indication to hold the medication. Administering the digoxin as prescribed and documenting the heart rate before administration are appropriate actions. It's important to ensure accurate documentation to track the infant's response to the medication and monitor for any changes in heart rate.
d. Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 1 hour: This choice suggests holding the medication and rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour. Again, since the infant's heart rate is within the normal range, there is no clinical indication to hold the medication or delay treatment. Rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour would be unnecessary and could potentially delay necessary medication administration.
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