A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a preterm newborn. To help the newborn conserve energy, which of the following actions should the nurse recommend?
Allow opportunities for newborn massage.
Cluster the newborn's care activities.
Change the newborn's position every 2 hours.
Place elbow restraints on the newborn.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Allowing opportunities for newborn massage is not recommended for preterm newborns, as it can increase their oxygen consumption and energy expenditure. Massage can also cause stress responses, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
Choice B reason:
Clustering the newborn's care activities is the best way to help the newborn conserve energy, as it minimizes the frequency of handling and stimulation. Clustering care also allows for longer periods of uninterrupted sleep, which is essential for growth and development.
Choice C reason:
Changing the newborn's position every 2 hours is not necessary for preterm newborns, as it can disrupt their sleep and cause them to lose heat. Preterm newborns have limited ability to regulate their body temperature, and frequent position changes can expose them to cold stress.
Choice D reason:
Placing elbow restraints on the newborn is not indicated for preterm newborns, unless they have a specific condition that requires them, such as a cleft lip or palate repair. Elbow restraints can restrict the newborn's movement and cause skin irritation or injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns are at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and respiratory acidosis because they have immature lungs that produce less surfactant, which is needed to keep the alveoli open and prevent atelectasis. SGA newborns also have less glycogen stores, which can lead to hypoglycemia and impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Choice B reason:
Maternal history of asthma is not a risk factor for RDS or respiratory acidosis in the newborn. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that affects the mother, not the fetus. Maternal asthma can cause complications such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction, but it does not directly affect the fetal lung development or function.
Choice C reason:
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect that causes a hole in the wall between the ventricles of the heart. This can result in increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure, which can lead to pulmonary edema and heart failure in the newborn. However, VSD does not cause RDS or respiratory acidosis, which are related to lung maturity and surfactant production.
Choice D reason:
Cesarean birth is not a risk factor for RDS or respiratory acidosis in the newborn. Cesarean birth can increase the risk of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which is caused by delayed absorption of fetal lung fluid. TTN usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours and does not cause a significant acid-base imbalance in the newborn.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is incorrect because TTN usually resolves within 24 to 72 hours of birth and does not require a long stay in the NICU.
Choice B reason:
This is correct because TTN is more common in babies born by cesarean section without labor, as they do not have the hormonal changes that help clear the fetal lung fluid.
Choice C reason:
This is incorrect because breastfeeding is not contraindicated in babies with TTN, unless they have severe respiratory distress or need continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support.
Choice D reason:
This is incorrect because TTN does not cause chronic lung disease or require oxygen therapy at home. Most babies with TTN only need supplemental oxygen for a few days until their breathing improves.
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