After breast-feeding 10 minutes at each breast, a new mother calls the nurse to the postpartum room to help change the newborn's diaper. As the mother begins the diaper change, the newborn spits up the breast milk. What action should the nurse implement first?
Place the newborn in a position with the head lower than the feet.
Turn the newborn to the side and bulb suction the mouth and nares.
Wipe away the spit-up and assist the mother with the diaper change
Sit the newborn upright and burp by rubbing or patting the upper back
The Correct Answer is D
A. Place the newborn in a position with the head lower than the feet:
This position might be used in cases of choking or difficulty breathing, but it's not typically the first response to spitting up.
B. Turn the newborn to the side and bulb suction the mouth and nares:
Suctioning might be necessary if there's difficulty breathing or if there's an excessive amount of mucus. However, for typical spit-up, this might be an unnecessary intervention.
C. Wipe away the spit-up and assist the mother with the diaper change:
Addressing the immediate concern by cleaning up and assisting with the diaper change is a reasonable first step, but it doesn't directly address the spit-up.
D. Sit the newborn upright and burp by rubbing or patting the upper back:
This is a common and appropriate action after feeding to help release any trapped air and prevent or alleviate spit-up.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Determine fetal position by performing Leopold maneuvers:
Leopold maneuvers are used to determine the fetal position and presentation by palpating the mother's abdomen. While this information can be valuable, it's not the highest priority in a situation where there is significant vaginal bleeding.
B. Assess the fetal heart rate and client's contraction pattern:
This is the highest priority because it directly addresses the immediate concern. Monitoring the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern helps to assess the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
C. Confirm Rh and Coombs status for Rho(D) immunoglobulin administration:
While determining Rh status is important, it may not be the immediate priority in this situation. However, if there is a need for Rho(D) immunoglobulin administration, it should be addressed in a timely manner.
D. Perform sterile vaginal examination to determine dilatation:
Performing a sterile vaginal examination is an important aspect of assessing the progress of labor, but it may not be the highest priority when there is significant vaginal bleeding. The focus initially should be on assessing the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer oxygen via facemask: Oxygen administration is generally a step in managing fetal distress. However, when dealing with variable decelerations, the initial action involves repositioning the mother to alleviate potential cord compression, as variable decelerations are often due to compression of the umbilical cord.
B. Turn off the oxytocin infusion: If variable decelerations persist despite repositioning, it might be necessary to discontinue the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion temporarily. Oxytocin can cause or exacerbate uterine hyperstimulation, which can contribute to fetal distress.
C. Assess cervical dilatation: Assessing cervical dilatation might be a part of the overall assessment but might not directly address the immediate issue of variable decelerations. However, it's essential to monitor the progress of labor as part of the broader assessment.
D. Change the client's position: This is the recommended first action for variable decelerations. Repositioning the mother, such as moving her to a lateral or knee-chest position, can relieve potential cord compression and improve fetal oxygenation.
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