A nurse is preparing to collect a specimen for newborn screening. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use a lancet to puncture the inner aspect of the newborn's heel.
Leave the newborn's heel open to the air after the puncture.
Apply an antiseptic to the newborn's heel after collecting the specimen.
Warm the newborn's heel for 5 to 10 min before the puncture.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Correct - Newborn screening typically involves a heel stick using a lancet to collect a few drops of blood from the inner aspect of the newborn's heel.
B) Incorrect- Leaving the newborn's heel open to the air after the puncture is not necessary; a small bandage is typically applied.
C) Incorrect- An antiseptic is not typically applied after collecting the specimen, as it could interfere with the accuracy of the screening tests.
D) Incorrect- Warming the newborn's heel is not a standard step before collecting a specimen for newborn screening.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect- While placing the baby in the bassinet in the room is a good practice, it may not be sufficient to prevent abduction.
B) Correct - Ensuring that anyone caring for or transporting the baby is wearing an identification badge helps confirm their authorized status to handle the baby.
C) Incorrect- Carrying the baby in the arms is a safe practice, but it doesn't specifically address preventing abduction.
D) Incorrect- Placing the identification band in the bassinet drawer is not a recommended practice, as it can potentially lead to confusion or misidentification.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Administering medication into the deltoid muscle is not typically done in newborns. Phytonadione is given intramuscularly, usually in the vastus lateralis muscle, not the deltoid muscle.
B) Incorrect- Phytonadione should be given within 1 hour of birth, not 12 hours after birth. Delaying the administration increases the risk of bleeding complications.
C) Correct- The size of the needle is important for the newborn's comfort, A 25-gauge needle is the appropriate size for administering phytonadione to a newborn. A smaller needle may not deliver the medication adequately, and a larger needle may cause more tissue damage and bleeding.
D) Incorrect- The mother's Rh factor is irrelevant for the administration of phytonadione.
Rh factor affects the risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn, which is a different condition from hemorrhagic disease.

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