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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

To promote fetal lung maturity.Betamethasone (Celestone) is a type of corticosteroid that can help reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants by accelerating the development of their lungs.It is recommended for pregnant women between 24 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not suppress uterine contractions.

It has no effect on the cause of preterm labor.

Choice B is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection.

It may actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce maternal blood pressure.

It may actually cause hypertension and hyperglycemia as side effects.

A. Referral to community services for support B. Encouragement to smoke in moderation C. Instructions for heavy lifting and strenuous exercise D. Recommendation to avoid kangaroo care

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Referral to community services for support.

Referral to community services for support is an important part of the discharge plan for a client in preterm labor.Community services can provide education, counseling, home visits, and other resources to help the client cope with preterm labor and prevent complications.

B. Encouragement to smoke in moderation.Statement is wrong because smoking is harmful for the unborn baby and can increase the risk of preterm labor.Smoking should be avoided completely during pregnancy and the client should be advised to quit or seek help to quit.

C. Instructions for heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.Statement is wrong because heavy lifting and strenuous exercise can trigger contractions and worsen preterm labor.The client should be instructed to rest as much as possible and avoid activities that may cause uterine irritation or bleeding.

D. Recommendation to avoid kangaroo care.Statement is wrong because kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin contact with the baby, is beneficial for both the mother and the baby after birth.Kangaroo care can help regulate the baby’s temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar levels, as well as promote bonding, breastfeeding, and infection prevention.The client should be encouraged to practice kangaroo care as soon as possible after delivery.

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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)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. What is the purpose of this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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)?