In a newborn infant, which of the following is the liver's job related to bilirubin?
Changing conjugated bilirubin to unconjugated.
Synthesis of vitamin K.
Changing unconjugated bilirubin to conjugated bilirubin.
Removal of meconium.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The liver's job related to bilirubin is not changing conjugated bilirubin to unconjugated. Conjugated bilirubin is the water-soluble form of bilirubin that is excreted in bile and urine. Unconjugated bilirubin, on the other hand, is the fat-soluble form, which is transported to the liver and conjugated to become water-soluble. The conversion goes from unconjugated to conjugated, not the other way around.
Choice B rationale:
The liver's job related to bilirubin is not the synthesis of vitamin K. The liver is responsible for synthesizing clotting factors, including factors II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X, but not vitamin K itself. Vitamin K is obtained from dietary sources or supplements and is essential for blood clotting.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is the correct answer. The liver's primary function related to bilirubin is changing unconjugated bilirubin to conjugated bilirubin. As mentioned earlier, unconjugated bilirubin is produced from the breakdown of heme in old red blood cells, and it needs to be processed in the liver to become water-soluble and eventually excreted in bile and urine.
Choice D rationale:
The liver's job related to bilirubin does not involve the removal of meconium. Meconium is the first stool passed by a newborn, and its elimination is unrelated to the liver's function in processing bilirubin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A white blood cell count of 15,000 does not necessarily indicate a severe infection. In newborns, WBC counts are typically higher than in adults, and they gradually decrease over the first few days after birth. A value of 15,000 falls within the normal range for a newborn and is not indicative of a severe infection.
Choice B rationale:
A white blood cell count of 15,000 is considered a normal range for a newborn. Newborns have higher WBC counts as a natural response to the stress of birth and exposure to the outside environment. The immune system is still developing, and elevated WBC counts are normal during this period.
Choice C rationale:
Assuming there are no other indications of lab error, such as abnormal results in other tests, it would be premature to label the WBC count as a lab error. Additionally, healthcare professionals should always consider the overall clinical picture before assuming a lab error based on a single result.
Choice D rationale:
There is no immediate need to call the doctor based solely on the WBC count of 15,000. Medical decisions should be made in the context of the newborn's overall clinical condition, and a single lab result does not warrant an immediate call to the doctor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer may provide warmth, but it does not address the observed signs of respiratory distress, jitteriness, and lethargy. These signs indicate potential respiratory and neurological issues, which need to be assessed and managed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Initiating phototherapy is not appropriate for the observed signs of respiratory distress, jitteriness, and lethargy. Phototherapy is used to treat neonatal jaundice caused by elevated bilirubin levels, which is not evident from the given information.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should obtain blood glucose by heel stick to assess the newborn's blood sugar levels. The signs of jitteriness and lethargy may be indicative of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is common in newborns. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the baby's well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Measuring the newborn's blood pressure is not the priority at this moment. The observed signs suggest respiratory distress and potential hypoglycemia, which need immediate attention. Blood pressure assessment may be important later on, but it is not the first action the nurse should take based on the given information.
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