Assessment findings of a 4-hour-old newborn include: 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, hypotonic and weak cry. Based on these findings, which action should the nurse implement?
Document the findings in the record
Obtain a heel stick blood glucose level.
Place a pulse oximeter on the heel.
Swaddle the infant in a warm blanket
The Correct Answer is B
A. Document the findings in the record: Documenting the findings is important, but it doesn't address the potential issue of hypoglycemia.
B. Obtain a heel stick blood glucose level: This is the most appropriate action given the signs presented. A low blood glucose level can be a critical issue in newborns and requires prompt evaluation and management.
C. Place a pulse oximeter on the heel: While oxygen saturation monitoring is valuable in certain situations, it may not be the priority in this case where hypoglycemia is suspected.
D. Swaddle the infant in a warm blanket: While maintaining warmth is important, especially if the baby is hypothermic, addressing the potential hypoglycemia takes precedence.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Cleanse the spinal injection site:
Cleansing the spinal injection site is a routine part of maintaining proper hygiene during and after the administration of spinal anesthesia. However, if the client is experiencing symptoms of a spinal headache, the priority is to prepare for potential interventions by having the necessary equipment ready rather than focusing on the site itself.
B. Apply an abdominal binder:
Applying an abdominal binder is not directly related to addressing a spinal headache. Abdominal binders are typically used for providing support to the abdominal muscles after childbirth or surgery. It wouldn't be the primary intervention for a spinal headache.
C. Insert an indwelling Foley catheter:
Inserting an indwelling Foley catheter is not a direct intervention for addressing a spinal headache. Spinal headaches are related to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and positioning. While managing the patient's overall care is important, it may not be the immediate priority in this context.
D. Place procedure equipment at bedside:
This is the most appropriate action in the context of a postpartal client exhibiting symptoms of a spinal headache. Having the necessary procedure equipment, such as materials for a blood patch, ready at the bedside ensures preparedness for potential interventions by the anesthesiologist.
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