A nurse is assisting with the care of a newborn following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Stimulate the infant to cry.
Clear the respiratory tract.
Dry the infant off and cover the head.
Clamp the umbilical cord.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Stimulate the infant to cry. While stimulating the infant to cry is a common practice to assess the newborn's respiratory function, it is not the first action the nurse should perform in this situation. The newborn may cry spontaneously or may require other interventions, such as clearing the respiratory tract, before crying.
Choice B rationale:
Clear the respiratory tract. Clearing the respiratory tract is the priority action in this scenario. It ensures that the airway is open and allows the infant to breathe effectively. This is crucial because newborns are at higher risk of respiratory distress after birth, and prompt action can prevent complications.
Choice C rationale:
Dry the infant off and cover the head. Drying the infant off and covering the head are important steps to prevent heat loss and maintain the newborn's body temperature. However, these actions can be delayed briefly until the respiratory tract is cleared, as the immediate focus should be on ensuring the infant's ability to breathe.
Choice D rationale:
Clamp the umbilical cord. Clamping the umbilical cord is a standard procedure after birth to prevent bleeding and infection. However, it is not the priority in this situation. The first step should be to ensure the newborn's airway is clear and they can breathe adequately.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The cervix is dilated 3 cm: This indicates the width of the cervical opening, which is 3 cm wide.
It is effaced 30%: This means the cervix has effaced or thinned out by 30%, indicating how much the cervix has shortened and thinned in preparation for labor.
The presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines (indicated by the negative number, -1): This measurement shows the position of the baby's head in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis. In this case, the baby's head is 1 cm above the ischial spines.
Option A ("The cervix is dilated 3 cm, it is effaced 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines."): This option incorrectly interprets the baby's position as being 1 cm below the ischial spines, which is not the case. The negative sign (-1) in the documentation indicates that the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines.
Option B ("The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines."): This option switches the interpretation of dilation and effacement. In the original documentation, the dilation is given as 3 cm, while effacement is 30%. This option incorrectly states that effacement is 3 cm and dilation is 30%. Additionally, it correctly identifies the presenting part's position.
Option C ("The cervix is effaced 3 cm, it is dilated 30%, and the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines."): This option correctly interprets effacement and dilation but incorrectly states that the presenting part is 1 cm below the ischial spines. The original documentation indicates that the presenting part is 1 cm above the ischial spines, as denoted by the negative sign (-1).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The umbilical cord typically contains two arteries and one vein. Arteries carry oxygen-depleted blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta for removal, while the vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus. This arrangement is essential for maintaining proper fetal circulation during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect because the umbilical cord usually contains two arteries and one vein, not just one artery and one vein. Having only one artery could indicate a potential vascular abnormality or congenital issue that may require further investigation or medical attention.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. The umbilical cord usually contains two arteries and one vein. The presence of two arteries allows for the efficient removal of waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus, while the single vein delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to support the baby's growth and development.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect as it states two veins and one artery, which is not the typical configuration of blood vessels in the umbilical cord. Having two veins and one artery would disrupt fetal circulation and hinder proper nutrient and waste exchange between the fetus and the placenta.
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