A staff nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse suction a client’s tracheostomy.

Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention by the staff nurse?

The correct answer is choice D. Minimize noise in the newborn’s environment.

This is because neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition that affects newborns who are exposed to opioids or other addictive substances in the womb. These substances can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborns, such as excessive crying, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.

Minimizing noise and other stimuli can help calm the newborn and reduce stress.

Choice A is wrong because swaddling the newborn with his legs extended can increase muscle tension and discomfort. Swaddling should be done with the legs flexed and hips abducted to prevent hip dysplasia.

Choice B is wrong because administering naloxone to the newborn can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and respiratory depression. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids, but it is not recommended for newborns with NAS unless they have life-threatening respiratory depression.

Choice C is wrong because maintaining eye contact with the newborn during feedings can overstimulate the newborn and cause agitation. Eye contact should be avoided or limited during feedings for newborns with NAS.

The correct answer is choice C. Blow into the meter as hard and quickly as possible.

This is because a peak flow meter measures how fast you can push air out of your lungs when you blow out as hard and as fast as you can.

This is called peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or peak expiratory flow (PEF). It shows how open the airways are in the lungs and can help detect early signs of worsening asthma.

Choice A is wrong because maintaining a semi-Fowler’s position during testing is not necessary. You can sit or stand up straight, but make sure you do it the same way each time.

Choice B is wrong because placing tongue on the mouthpiece of the meter can block the air flow and affect the accuracy of the measurement. You should close your lips tightly on the mouthpiece instead.

Choice D is wrong because recording the average of the readings is not recommended.

You should record the highest of the three readings on a sheet of paper, calendar or in your asthma diary. This is your daily peak flow.

Normal ranges for peak flow vary depending on age, height, gender and race. You can use a chart or calculator to find out your predicted normal peak flow based on these factors. However, it is more important to find out your personal best peak flow by performing peak flow testing twice a day for two weeks when your asthma is under good control. Your personal best peak flow will be used to create your asthma action plan with your healthcare provider.