A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome receives artificial surfactant. How would the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?
“Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.”.
“The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation.”.
“Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.”.
“Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.”.
The Correct Answer is A
choice A. Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Surfactant is a substance that coats the inner surface of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs.
It reduces the surface tension of the alveoli and prevents them from collapsing during exhalation.
Premature infants often lack enough surfactant, which leads to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Artificial surfactant is given to these infants to help them breathe more easily. Choice B is wrong because surfactant has nothing to do with sedation.
Sedation is a state of reduced consciousness induced by drugs. Surfactant does not affect the level of consciousness of the infant.
Choice C is wrong because surfactant is not used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.
Periodic apnea is a condition where the infant stops breathing for a short time, usually due to immature brainstem function.
Surfactant does not affect the brainstem or the control of breathing.
Choice D is wrong because surfactant is not used to fight a possible respiratory tract infection. Surfactant does not have any antibacterial or antiviral properties.
Surfactant is used to treat RDS, which is caused by a lack of surfactant, not by an infection.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Uterine atony.
This is when the uterus does not contract enough to stop the bleeding from the placental site after delivery. It is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, accounting for up to 80% of cases. Uterine atony can be caused by factors such as prolonged or augmented labor, large baby, multiple pregnancies, infection, or retained placenta.
The woman in question has some risk factors for uterine atony, such as a large baby and augmentation of labor with Pitocin.
The other choices are wrong because:
A . Retained placental fragments: This is when parts of the placenta remain attached to the uterine wall and prevent it from contracting properly. It is the second most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
However, there is no indication in the question that the woman had any difficulty with the delivery of the placenta or that it was incomplete
B. Unrepaired vaginal lacerations: This is when there are tears or cuts in the vagina or cervix that cause bleeding. It is a less common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
However, there is no indication in the question that the woman had any trauma during delivery or that she was examined for lacerations
D. Puerperal infection: This is when there is an infection in the uterus or other parts of the reproductive tract after delivery.
It can cause fever, pain, and bleeding. It is a rare cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
However, there is no indication in the question that the woman had any signs or symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge.
Normal ranges for blood loss after delivery are less than 500 mL for vaginal birth and less than 1000 mL for C-section.
Any amount above these thresholds can be considered postpartum hemorrhage and requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Give small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration is a common complication of upper respiratory tract infections in infants, especially if they have a fever. Giving small amounts of fluids frequently can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
Some additional information about the other choices are:
Choice A is wrong because tepid water baths are not recommended for fever reduction. They can cause shivering, which increases heat production and can raise the
temperature further. Instead, antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given as prescribed.
Choice B is wrong because food intake may be decreased due to poor appetite, difficulty breathing, or sore throat. Forcing food intake can cause vomiting or aspiration. Fluid intake is more important than caloric intake during an acute infection.
Choice C is wrong because heavy clothing can increase heat retention and discomfort. The infant should be dressed in light clothing and the room temperature should be comfortable.
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