A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered her first newborn. The nurse anticipates hyperbilirubinemia due to Rh incompatibility. The nurse should understand that hyperbilirubinemia occurs with Rh incompatibility for which of the following reasons?
The client's blood does not contain the Rh factor, so she produces anti-Rh antibodies that cross the placental barrier and cause hemolysis of red blood cells in newborns.
The client's blood contains the Rh factor, and the newborn's does not, and antibodies that destroy red blood cells are formed in the fetus.
The client has a history of receiving a transfusion with Rh-negative blood.
The client's anti-A and anti-B antibodies cross the placenta and cause the destruction of the fetal red blood cells.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative client is exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood, typically during a prior pregnancy or delivery. The client’s immune system produces anti-Rh antibodies that cross the placenta in subsequent pregnancies, attacking the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus. This hemolysis releases bilirubin, leading to hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn.
Choice B rationale:
Rh incompatibility only occurs when the client is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive. An Rh-positive client will not form antibodies against an Rh-negative fetus, as their immune system recognizes the Rh factor as normal.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is not related to the mechanism of Rh incompatibility. Receiving a transfusion with Rh-negative blood would not cause the mother's immune system to produce anti-Rh antibodies or lead to Rh incompatibility with her newborn.
Choice D rationale:
This choice describes the ABO blood group system, not the Rh factor. ABO incompatibility can occur when a mother with blood type O (producing anti-A and anti-B antibodies) has a newborn with blood type A, B, or AB, leading to hemolysis of the fetal red blood cells. However, the question specifically mentions Rh incompatibility, which involves the Rh factor, not the ABO system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) is not a manifestation of hypoglycemia in a newborn. Instead, hypotonia (decreased muscle tone) is more characteristic.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice. Jitteriness is a common sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn. It may be accompanied by other symptoms like poor feeding, tremors, and irritability.
Choice C rationale:
Acrocyanosis (bluish discoloration of the hands and feet) is a normal finding in newborns and is not specifically associated with hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale:
Generalized petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin) are not indicative of hypoglycemia but may be associated with other medical conditions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: "I will tip the nipple so air is present as my baby sucks.”
Choice A rationale:
The parent's statement in choice A, "I will keep my baby's head elevated while he is feeding,” indicates an understanding of proper bottle feeding techniques. Keeping the baby's head slightly elevated can help prevent choking and aspiration during feedings. This is a correct statement, and no further instruction is needed in this regard.
Choice B rationale:
The parent's statement in choice B, "I will allow my baby to burp several times during each feeding,” also demonstrates knowledge of appropriate bottle feeding practices. Burping the baby during and after feedings helps release swallowed air, reducing the likelihood of excessive gas and discomfort. This statement is correct, and no additional instruction is required.
Choice C rationale:
Choice C is the incorrect statement because tipping the nipple to introduce air while the baby sucks is not a recommended practice. In fact, it can lead to an increased intake of air, potentially causing gas, discomfort, and colic in the baby. Therefore, further instruction is needed to correct this misconception.
Choice D Rationale:
Choice D is not directly related to the need for further instruction in bottle feeding techniques and is not addressed in the explanation.
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