A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following delivery. After assuring a patent airway, which of the following actions should be the nurse's priority?
Dry the newborn.
Administer phytonadione IM.
Document the Apgar score.
Apply identification bands.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Drying the newborn's skin thoroughly is the nurse's priority after assuring a patent airway because it reduces evaporative heat loss by the newborn and prevents cold stress. Cold stress can lead to hypoxia, hypoglycemia, acidosis, and increased bilirubin levels. Drying the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which are signs of a healthy newborn.
Choice B reason:
Administering phytonadione IM is not the nurse's priority because it is not an immediate life-saving intervention. Phytonadione is given to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, which is caused by vitamin K deficiency. However, this condition usually occurs after the first day of life, so administering phytonadione can be delayed until after the initial assessment and stabilization of the newborn.
Choice C reason:
Documenting the Apgar score is not the nurse's priority because it is not an action that directly affects the newborn's well-being. The Apgar score is a tool to assess the newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. The Apgar score can help guide the nurse's interventions, but it is not more important than providing care to the newborn.
Choice D reason:
Applying identification bands is not the nurse's priority because it is not an urgent or essential action. Identification bands are used to ensure the safety and security of the newborn and prevent errors or mix-ups. However, applying identification bands can be done after the newborn is dried, warmed, and assessed for any problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Slow growth is a common symptom of thalassemia, especially in children. It is caused by the reduced production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, which leads to anemia and poor oxygen delivery to the tissues. Slow growth can also affect the development of facial bones and cause deformities.
Choice B reason:
Fatigue is another common symptom of thalassemia, also related to anemia and low oxygen levels in the body. People with thalassemia may feel tired, weak, and short of breath even after mild physical activity. Fatigue can also affect their mood, concentration, and quality of life.
Choice C reason:
Hematoma is not a typical symptom of thalassemia. Hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin or in an organ, usually caused by trauma, injury, or bleeding disorders. People with thalassemia may have a higher risk of bleeding due to low platelet counts or frequent blood transfusions, but this does not necessarily result in hematoma.
Choice D reason:
Pruritus is not a typical symptom of thalassemia. Pruritus is a sensation of itching that can affect any part of the body. It can have many causes, such as dry skin, allergies, infections, or liver problems. People with thalassemia may experience pruritus as a side effect of iron overload or iron chelation therapy, but it is not a direct consequence of the condition.
Choice E reason:
Ecchymoses are not typical symptoms of thalassemia. Ecchymoses are large bruises that appear on the skin due to bleeding under the surface. They can be caused by trauma, injury, or bleeding disorders. People with thalassemia may have a higher risk of bleeding due to low platelet counts or frequent blood transfusions, but this does not necessarily result in ecchymoses.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility is the most common cause of pathologic jaundice, which appears within the first 24 hours of life. This occurs when the mother's antibodies attack the newborn's red blood cells, causing hemolysis and increased bilirubin production. The excess bilirubin causes the yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.
Choice B reason:
The absence of vitamin K is not related to jaundice but to hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and is given to newborns as an injection shortly after birth. Newborns are at risk of vitamin K deficiency because they have low levels of vitamin K in their bodies and breast milk, and their intestinal bacteria are not yet able to synthesize vitamin K.
Choice C reason:
Maternal cocaine abuse can cause many complications for the newborn, such as prematurity, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome, neurobehavioral problems, and congenital anomalies. However, it is not a direct cause of jaundice in the newborn.
Choice D reason:
Physiologic jaundice is a normal and benign condition that affects about 60% of term newborns. It occurs due to the immature liver's inability to metabolize bilirubin effectively. It usually appears after the first 24 hours of life and peaks around the third or fourth day. It does not require treatment unless the bilirubin level is very high or rising rapidly.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today