A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pre-term newborn who was born at 32 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following values indicates a potential complication of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?
Hematocrit 45%
Platelets 150,000/mm3
White blood cell count 25,000/mm3
Blood glucose 80 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
White blood cell count 25,000/mm3.
This indicates a potential complication of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which is the death of intestinal tissue in premature or sick newborns. A high white blood cell count can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the bowel, which are common features of NEC.
Choice A is wrong because hematocrit 45% is within the normal range for newborns.
Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.
A low hematocrit can indicate blood loss or anemia, which can be complications of NEC, but a normal hematocrit does not rule out NEC.
Choice B is wrong because platelets 150,000/mm3 is also within the normal range for newborns.
Platelets are cells that help the blood clot. A low platelet count can indicate a consumption coagulopathy, which is a bleeding disorder that can occur in severe cases of NEC.
However, a normal platelet count does not exclude NEC.
Choice D is wrong because blood glucose 80 mg/dL is also within the normal range for newborns.
Blood glucose measures the amount of sugar in the blood.
A low blood glucose can indicate hypoglycemia, which can be caused by sepsis or other conditions that mimic NEC, but a normal blood glucose does not eliminate NEC.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause renal impairment and elevated serum creatinine levels in both the mother and the fetus.This can lead to oligohydramnios, reduced fetal urine output, and fetal renal failure.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum creatinine levels of the client and the fetus as a potential complication of indomethacin.
Choice A is wrong because indomethacin does not affect the platelet count.It may increase the risk of bleeding due to its antiplatelet effect, but it does not cause thrombocytopenia.
Choice C is wrong because indomethacin does not cause anemia or decrease the hematocrit.It may cause gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, which could lead to anemia, but this is not a common or direct effect of the medication.
Choice D is wrong because indomethacin does not cause hyperkalemia or increase the serum potassium levels.It may cause hyponatremia due to its effect on renal sodium excretion, but it does not affect potassium balance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
All of the above.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that affects preterm newborns who have immature lungs and lack sufficient surfactant.
Surfactant is a substance that helps keep the alveoli open and prevents them from collapsing.
Without enough surfactant, the newborn has difficulty breathing and may develop hypoxia and acidosis.
Choice A is wrong because tachypnea and grunting are signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.
Choice B is wrong because bradycardia and cyanosis are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or sepsis.
Choice C is wrong because apnea and nasal flaring are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as intracranial ...
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