A nurse is assisting in the care of a newborn born 1 hr ago who was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation.
A newborn who is 38 weeks of gestation is admitted to the newborn nursery following an emergency cesarean birth with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Apgar scores of 5 at 1 min and 7 at 5 min. The newborn received surfactant via an endotracheal tube and is currently receiving 3 Umin of oxygen via nasal cannula. Blood gases reveal respiratory acidosis.
Which action should the nurse prioritize in this situation?
Report the client's weight by the client's provider.
Select diagnostic studies followed by the primary health care.
Check brachial pulses for the client's respiratory status.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Reporting the client's weight to the provider is not a priority in this situation. While weight is important, the immediate concern is the newborn's respiratory distress and the acidosis indicated by the blood gases.
Choice B rationale:
Selecting diagnostic studies for the primary health care is not the nurse's role. The primary health care provider will determine which diagnostic studies are needed based on the newborn's clinical presentation and assessment findings.
Choice C rationale:
Checking brachial pulses for the client's respiratory status is the appropriate action. In a newborn with respiratory distress, assessing peripheral perfusion, including brachial pulses, is crucial to monitor the circulation and oxygenation of tissues.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is common in the first 24 hours after birth and is typically not a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale:
A newborn not voiding within 18 hours may need evaluation, but it is not as urgent as a potential infection.
Choice C rationale:
A newborn who is 24 hours old and has not passed meconium is not the most critical concern among the options provided. While meconium (the baby's first stool) should be passed within the first 24-48 hours, a slight delay may not be an immediate cause for concern.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should prioritize seeing the newborn with an axillary temperature of 37.8°C (100° F), as this could indicate an infection or other serious condition requiring immediate attention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1- hour old.
Choice A rationale:
This finding should be notified to the charge nurse immediately because a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL in a 1-hour-old infant is significantly lower than the normal range. Hypoglycemia in newborns can lead to serious complications, including neurological issues. Normal blood glucose levels in newborns are typically around 45-90 mg/dL.
Choice B rationale:
A hematocrit of 60% in an 8-hour-old infant may be considered relatively high, but this is a normal finding in newborns. Hematocrit levels can be higher in neonates due to their unique physiological adaptation to extrauterine life.
Choice C rationale:
Jaundice in a 4-hour-old infant is a common occurrence and is not typically a cause for immediate concern. Physiological jaundice often appears after 24 hours of birth and resolves on its own.
Choice D rationale:
Acrocyanosis, bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is a normal finding in newborns and is not considered a cause for concern. It occurs due to the immature peripheral circulation and typically resolves within a few days.
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