A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is scheduled for a cesarean birth based on the fetal lungs having reached maturity. Which of the following findings indicates that the fetal lungs are mature?
Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) absent
Nonstress test is reactive
Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2:1
Biophysical profile score of 8
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: The presence of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in the amniotic fluid is another indicator of fetal lung maturity. The absence of PG is associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the newborn.
Choice B rationale: A nonstress test is a test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement. It is not directly related to assessing fetal lung maturity.
Choice C rationale: The L/S ratio is an important indicator of fetal lung maturity. Lecithin and sphingomyelin are two surfactants present in the lungs, and the ratio of these two substances increases as the fetal lungs mature. An L/S ratio of 2:1 or greater is considered an indication of lung maturity and suggests that the newborn should be able to breathe adequately after birth.
Choice D rationale: The biophysical profile (BPP) is a prenatal ultrasound assessment of the fetus, which includes evaluating fetal movements, breathing, heart rate, and amniotic fluid volume. While a BPP of 8 is a reassuring score, it does not provide direct information about fetal lung maturity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Drying the newborn and covering the head are essential steps in the immediate care of a newborn after birth. This helps prevent heat loss and promotes thermal stability for the baby.
Choice B rationale: Stimulating the newborn to cry is not the first priority in the immediate post-birth care. Drying and keeping the baby warm are more critical at this stage.
Choice C rationale: Clearing the respiratory tract may be necessary if there are signs of respiratory distress, but it is not the first action in the routine care of a newborn immediately after delivery.
Choice D rationale: Clamping the umbilical cord is usually done after the immediate care of the newborn is addressed, and it is not the first step in the initial care following a vaginal delivery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Placing elbow restraints is not a recommended practice for preterm newborns. Restraints are used in some cases to prevent the baby from pulling on tubes or lines, but it is not primarily for energy conservation.
Choice B rationale: While frequent position changes are important to prevent pressure ulcers and promote comfort, they may not necessarily help conserve energy in a preterm newborn.
Choice C rationale: Preterm newborns have limited energy reserves, and conserving energy is essential for their growth and development. Clustering care activities involves combining nursing care tasks to allow for longer periods of uninterrupted rest for the baby. This approach reduces the baby's energy expenditure and promotes better weight gain and stability.
Choice D rationale: While gentle touch and massage can be beneficial for preterm newborns to promote bonding and relaxation, it may not directly conserve energy as cluster care does.
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