A nurse is caring for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia. Which of the following interventions should be taken during phototherapy?
Keep the newborn dressed while receiving phototherapy.
Apply lotion to the skin twice daily.
Maintain an eye mask over the newborn's eyes.
Maintain the phototherapy during blood draws.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Keeping the newborn dressed while receiving phototherapy is not recommended because the baby's skin needs to be exposed to the light to effectively treat hyperbilirubinemia. Direct exposure to light helps break down the excess bilirubin in the baby's blood, leading to its excretion.
Choice B rationale:
Applying lotion to the skin twice daily is contraindicated during phototherapy. Lotions and creams can block the light from reaching the skin and hinder the therapeutic effects of the phototherapy. The baby's skin should remain exposed to the light for optimal treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Maintaining an eye mask over the newborn's eyes is essential during phototherapy. The eyes are sensitive to light, and prolonged exposure to the phototherapy light can lead to eye damage. Using an eye mask protects the baby's eyes while allowing the rest of the body to receive the necessary light treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Maintaining the phototherapy during blood draws is crucial to ensure continuous treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Interrupting the phototherapy during blood draws might result in the rebound of bilirubin levels, which can be harmful to the baby.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should report a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 35 mg/dL to the provider. BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood and is used to assess kidney function. An elevated BUN can indicate impaired renal function, which is a concern in preeclampsia, as it may signify reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 15 mg/dL is within the normal range for pregnancy (normal range: 11-15 g/dL), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
Choice C rationale:
Bilirubin level of 0.6 mg/dL is within the normal range (normal range: 0.2-1.3 mg/dL), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Hematocrit (Hct) level of 37% is within the normal range for pregnancy (normal range: 33- 45%), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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