A nurse is caring for a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation and is in labor. The client's ultrasound examination indicates that the fetus is small for gestational age (SGA). Which of the following interventions should be included in the newborn's plan of care?
Identify manifestations of anemia.
Monitor for hyperglycemia.
Observe for meconium in respiratory secretions.
Monitor for hyperthermia
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale: A) Identify manifestations of anemia: While anemia can occur in newborns, especially in premature infants or those with specific maternal conditions, it is not necessarily a primary concern for infants who are small for gestational age (SGA). SGA infants are more at risk for issues related to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and complications such as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) due to fetal distress, rather than anemia.
B) Monitor for hyperglycemia: SGA infants are at higher risk for hypoglycemia rather than hyperglycemia, particularly due to limited glycogen stores and increased metabolic demands after birth. Therefore, monitoring for and managing hypoglycemia is a more pertinent intervention for SGA newborns than monitoring for hyperglycemia.
C) Observe for meconium in respiratory secretions: SGA infants, who are born below the 10th percentile for their gestational age, are at increased risk for intrauterine hypoxia and stress, which can lead to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Meconium aspiration occurs when the newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid, potentially causing airway obstruction and respiratory distress. Therefore, closely observing for meconium in respiratory secretions is crucial for timely intervention and management if MAS is suspected.
D) Monitor for hyperthermia: While hyperthermia can occur in newborns due to various reasons, including environmental factors and infection, it is not specifically associated with being born small for gestational age. Monitoring for hyperthermia is important in all newborns, but it is not a primary concern specifically related to SGA infants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
A. Cracked, peeling skin: This is correct. Postmature newborns have often lost the protective vernix caseosa, and their skin may be dry and cracked as a result.
B. Short soft fingernails: This is not correct. Postmature newborns often have long fingernails.
C. Primitive Moro reflexes: This is not correct. The Moro reflex is a normal reflex for newborns and is not specifically associated with post maturity.
D. Abundant lanugo: This is not correct. Lanugo, the fine hair that covers the body of the fetus, is usually shed before birth. Postmature newborns have often lost most of their lanugo.
E. Vernix caseosa: This is not correct. Vernix caseosa, the white, cheesy substance that covers the skin of the fetus, is usually lost before birth in postmature newborns. As a result, their skin may be dry and cracked.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increase in blood pressure: Methylergonovine can cause an increase in blood pressure, but this is a side effect of the medication, not an indication of its effectiveness.
B. Report of absent breast pain: Methylergonovine is not typically used to treat breast pain, so this would not be an indication of its effectiveness.
C. Fundus firm to palpation: This is the correct answer. Methylergonovine is a medication used to prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage by causing the uterus to contract. A firm fundus upon palpation indicates that the uterus is contracting effectively, which is the desired effect of the medication.
D. Increase in lochia: An increase in lochia (vaginal discharge after childbirth) is not an indication of the effectiveness of Methylergonovine. In fact, heavy lochia can be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, which the medication is intended to prevent. Therefore, an increase in lochia would not indicate that the medication is working effectively.
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