Assessment findings of a 4-hour-old newborn include an axillary temperature of 96.8° F (35.8° C), heart rate of 150 beats/minute with a soft murmur, irregular respiratory rate at 64 breaths/minute, jitteriness, hypotonia, and a weak cry.
Based on these findings, which action should the nurse implement?
Obtain a heel stick blood glucose level.
Swaddle the infant in a warm blanket.
Place a pulse oximeter on the heel.
Document the findings in the record.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The symptoms of jitteriness, hypotonia, weak cry, and low temperature can indicate hypoglycemia in a newborn. Obtaining a heel stick blood glucose level is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.
Choice B rationale
While keeping the infant warm is important, it does not address the underlying issue of potential hypoglycemia, which needs to be identified and treated promptly.
Choice C rationale
Placing a pulse oximeter on the heel assesses oxygen saturation, which is not directly related to the symptoms described. The primary concern here is glucose level, not oxygen saturation.
Choice D rationale
Documenting the findings is important but does not provide immediate intervention for potential hypoglycemia, which requires urgent glucose level assessment and treatment if necessary. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Obtaining consent for the Hepatitis B vaccine is a necessary step in the newborn's care, but it is not the immediate priority for a newborn exposed to HIV. The focus should be on preventing HIV transmission from mother to child.
Choice B rationale
Collecting a venous specimen for serum glucose level is important for assessing the newborn's metabolic status, but it does not directly address the immediate need to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Choice C rationale
Assessing for the presence of the Moro reflex is part of a routine newborn examination and is important for evaluating the neurological status of the newborn. However, it does not address the immediate priority of HIV prophylaxis.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring that zidovudine is given within 6 hours after birth is critical for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Early administration of antiretroviral medication is essential to prevent viral replication and transmission to the newborn.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Standard precautions should always be used to prevent the transmission of infections. This includes wearing gloves, gowns, and masks when necessary to protect both the healthcare provider and the patient.
Choice B rationale
Antiviral medication is critical for an HIV-positive mother in labor to reduce the risk of vertical transmission of the virus to the newborn. Intravenous administration ensures rapid delivery and effective drug levels.
Choice C rationale
Droplet precautions are not necessary for HIV as the virus is not transmitted via droplets. It is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Choice D rationale
Bottle-feeding is encouraged for HIV-positive mothers to prevent postnatal transmission of the virus through breast milk. Breastfeeding can increase the risk of the infant contracting HIV.
Choice E rationale
Negative pressure rooms are used for airborne diseases like tuberculosis, not for HIV. HIV is not airborne, so standard precautions suffice.
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