A nurse is evaluating a preterm infant who has patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the condition is improving?
Decreased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Decreased respiratory rate
Increased oxygen saturation.
The Correct Answer is D
Increased oxygen saturation. This indicates that the condition is improving because it means that the blood is getting more oxygen in the lungs and less blood is shunting from the aorta to the pulmonary artery through the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Choice A is wrong because decreased heart rate can be a sign of hypoxia, acidosis, or heart failure, which are complications of PDA.
Choice B is wrong because increased blood pressure can be a sign of increased systemic vascular resistance, which can result from decreased tissue perfusion due to PDA.
Choice C is wrong because decreased respiratory rate can be a sign of respiratory depression, which can be caused by some medications used to treat PDA, such as indomethacin or ibuprofen.
Normal ranges for oxygen saturation in preterm infants are between 88% and 95%.
Normal ranges for heart rate in preterm infants are between 120 and 160 beats per minute.
Normal ranges for blood pressure in preterm infants depend on gestational age and weight.
Normal ranges for respiratory rate in preterm infants are between 40 and 60 breaths per minute.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Loose, peeling skin without lanugo or vernix is a symptom of post-term infants who have intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Post-term infants are born after 42 weeks of gestation and may have reduced placental function, resulting in less nutrition and oxygen for the fetus.This can cause them to have low birth weight, decreased subcutaneous fat and muscle mass, and dry skin.
Choice A is wrong because a large head in proportion to body size is not a sign of IUGR.It may indicate a congenital anomaly or a chromosomal disorder.
Choice C is wrong because increased subcutaneous fat and muscle mass are not signs of IUGR.They are signs of normal fetal growth and development.
Choice D is wrong because hypertonia and hyperreflexia are not signs of IUGR.They may indicate a neurological problem or a perinatal asphyxia (lack of oxygen during birth).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is a sign of dehydration, which can be caused by phototherapy.Phototherapy increases insensible water loss through the skin and can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance in the newborn.The nurse should monitor the newborn’s hydration status, weight, urine output, and serum electrolytes and provide adequate fluid intake.
Choice A is wrong because conjunctivitis is not a common complication of phototherapy.It can be prevented by using eye shields or patches to protect the newborn’s eyes from the light source.
Choice B is wrong because bronze skin discoloration is a rare complication of phototherapy that occurs when the bilirubin level is very high and the skin pigment changes.It is not a priority finding and usually resolves after phototherapy is discontinued.
Choice D is wrong because maculopapular skin rash is a benign side effect of phototherapy that does not require intervention.It usually disappears within a few days after phototherapy is stopped.
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