A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately after birth. Once a patent airway has been ensured, what should be the nurse’s priority action?
Administer Vitamin K
Administer eye prophylaxis
Place an identification bracelet
Dry the skin
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Administering Vitamin K is an important step in newborn care as it helps with blood clotting and prevents a rare but serious bleeding disorder called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding.
However, it is not the immediate priority after ensuring a patent airway.
Choice B rationale
Administering eye prophylaxis, typically in the form of antibiotic ointment, is a standard procedure in newborn care to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis. However, this is not the immediate priority after ensuring a patent airway.
Choice C rationale
Placing an identification bracelet on the newborn is crucial for ensuring the baby’s safety and preventing mix-ups. However, this is not the immediate priority after ensuring a patent airway.
Choice D rationale
Drying the skin of the newborn is the priority action after ensuring a patent airway. This is because newborns are wet with amniotic fluid at birth, and they can lose heat quickly through evaporation if not dried immediately. This can lead to hypothermia, which can be dangerous for the newborn.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Turning the newborn on his side is a good practice to prevent aspiration, but it is not the first action to take. The newborn’s airway must be clear first to ensure proper breathing.
Choice B rationale
Suctioning the mouth with a bulb syringe is the priority action when a newborn has secretions bubbling out of the nose and mouth. This action helps clear the airway and allows the newborn to breathe more easily.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the nose with a bulb syringe is also important, but the mouth should be suctioned first. This is because the newborn could aspirate oral secretions during inhalation if the mouth is not suctioned first.
Choice D rationale
Using a suction catheter with low negative pressure is not the first action to take. A bulb syringe is usually sufficient to clear the newborn’s airway of secretions.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation

The correct answers are A. Start breastfeeding with the nipple that is less sore, B. Change the infant’s position on the nipples, and C. Apply breast milk to the nipples before each feeding.
Choice A rationale:
Starting breastfeeding with the nipple that is less sore can help reduce discomfort. The baby tends to suck more vigorously at the beginning of a feeding, so starting with the less sore nipple can minimize pain.
Choice B rationale:
Changing the infant’s position on the nipples can help distribute the pressure more evenly and prevent further irritation of sore areas. Different positions can also help ensure a better latch.
Choice C rationale:
Applying breast milk to the nipples before each feeding can soothe and promote healing of sore nipples. Breast milk has natural antibacterial properties and can help keep the nipples moisturized.
Choice D rationale:
Massaging the breasts and nipples prior to feeding is not typically recommended for reducing nipple soreness. It can potentially cause more irritation and discomfort.
Choice E rationale:
Placing breast pads inside the nursing bra can help absorb leakage and keep the nipples dry, but it does not directly reduce soreness during breastfeeding. It is more of a preventive measure to maintain hygiene.
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