A nurse is preparing to collect a specimen for newborn screening.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Warm the newborn’s heel for 5 to 10 minutes before the puncture.
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.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Warming the newborn’s heel for 5 to 10 minutes before the puncture increases blood flow, making it easier to collect a blood sample.
Choice B rationale
The outer aspect of the heel is the recommended site for puncture to avoid injury to the bone and nerves.
Choice C rationale
Leaving the heel open to the air after the puncture is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection.
Choice D rationale
Applying an antiseptic after collecting the specimen is not necessary and can interfere with the blood sample.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A large banana is not a significant source of dietary calcium. While bananas are nutritious and provide potassium and vitamin C, they do not contain enough calcium to meet the needs of a pregnant client who does not consume dairy products.
Choice B rationale
Kale is an excellent non-dairy source of calcium. Dark leafy greens like kale are rich in calcium, with approximately 90 mg of calcium per cup when cooked. Including kale in the diet can help pregnant women meet their calcium needs, especially if they do not consume dairy products.
Choice C rationale
A baked potato is not a significant source of dietary calcium. While potatoes provide several nutrients, including potassium and vitamin C, they do not contain enough calcium to be recommended as a primary source for a pregnant client who does not consume dairy products.
Choice D rationale
White corn is not a significant source of dietary calcium. While it can contribute to overall nutritional intake, it does not provide enough calcium to meet the needs of a pregnant client who does not consume dairy products.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Based on the provided information, here’s the completed diagram:
Potential Condition
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome
Actions to Take
- Reinforce with the parent to feed the newborn
- Anticipate a prescription to obtain a capillary blood sample
Parameters to Monitor
- Respiratory status
- Temperature
Congenital Syphilis
- Reasoning: The mother’s syphilis was treated successfully in the first trimester, and her subsequent tests (VDRL and RPR) were negative. This indicates that the infection was resolved, making congenital syphilis unlikely.
Hypoglycemia
- Reasoning: While some symptoms like jitteriness and weak cry could suggest hypoglycemia, the newborn’s weight (4,366 g) and the absence of other typical signs like lethargy or seizures make this less likely. Additionally, there is no mention of a blood glucose test result indicating hypoglycemia.
Kernicterus
- Reasoning: Kernicterus is a severe form of jaundice caused by high bilirubin levels. The newborn’s symptoms (jitteriness, weak cry, mottled extremities, acrocyanosis) do not align with the typical presentation of kernicterus, which includes severe jaundice, lethargy, and high-pitched crying. There is also no mention of elevated bilirubin levels.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
- Reasoning: The newborn’s symptoms (jitteriness, weak cry, rapid respirations, restlessness, difficulty feeding, and decreased muscle tone) are consistent with NAS, which can occur due to maternal substance use during pregnancy. The positive urine drug screen for marijuana supports this diagnosis
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.