On her second postpartum day, the mother of a newborn says, “The doctor says the baby has physiologic jaundice.
Even though it is supposed to be normal, I don’t understand why it occurs.” Which fact regarding physiologic jaundice should form the basis of the nurse’s response?

It is caused by an increase in neonatal metabolism.

It is related to the destruction of fetal red blood cells.

It is caused by an antigen-antibody reaction.

It is related to the immaturity of the reticuloendothelial system.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Neonatal Jaundice | Geeky Medics

Physiologic jaundice is a common condition in newborns that occurs when the baby’s blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.In the womb, the mother’s liver removes bilirubin for the baby, but after birth the baby’s own liver must take over this function.Because the baby has more red blood cells than an adult and their liver is still immature, they may not be able to process all the bilirubin and it may build up in their skin and eyes, causing a yellowish appearance.

Choice A is wrong because it is not an increase in neonatal metabolism that causes physiologic jaundice, but rather a decrease in hepatic metabolism of bilirubin.

Choice C is wrong because it describes a different type of jaundice called hemolytic jaundice, which occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the baby, leading to an immune reaction that destroys the baby’s red blood cells faster than they can be replaced.

Choice D is wrong because it confuses the reticuloendothelial system with the hepatic system.

The reticuloendothelial system is a network of cells and tissues that are involved in immune responses and phagocytosis (the ingestion of foreign particles or cells).

The hepatic system is the system of organs and structures that are involved in liver functions, such as bile production and detoxification.

Normal ranges for bilirubin levels in newborns are 1 to 12 mg/dL (17 to 205 micromol/L) for total bilirubin and 0.2 to 1.4 mg/dL (3 to 24 micromol/L) for direct bilirubin.

Physiologic jaundice usually peaks at 3 to 5 days after birth and resolves by 2 weeks of age.

It does not require treatment unless the bilirubin levels are very high or rising rapidly, which may indicate a more serious condition or a risk of brain damage.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C.Adolescents need more protein than older pregnant women because they are still growing themselves and need to support the growth of the baby and the placenta.Protein can be found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Choice A is wrong because adolescents need more supplemental iron than older women, not less.This is because they have lower iron stores due to rapid growth and menstruation.Iron deficiency can cause anemia and increase the risk of infections and bleeding.Iron can be found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Choice B is wrong because adolescents need more carbohydrates than older women, not less.Carbohydrates provide energy for the mother and the baby and spare protein for other functions.Carbohydrates can be found in grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Choice D is wrong because adolescents need the same amount of vitamin C as older pregnant women, which is 85 milligrams per day.Vitamin C helps with wound healing, collagen formation, iron absorption, and immune function.Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, potatoes, and fortified juices.

A. The breast milk can be sterilized to kill the HIV virus, then bottle-fed to the infant. B. Colostrum should be expressed and analyzed for the presence of the HIV virus prior to breastfeeding. C. Breastfeeding may be initiated if the infant is determined to be HIV positive. D. Breastfeeding may be a mode of transmission of the HIV virus.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This is based on the fact that HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and is spread through certain body fluids, including breast milk.Perinatal transmission can occur during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.Treatment for HIV (antiretroviral therapy, or ART) substantially reduces the risk of perinatal transmission.

Choice A is wrong because sterilizing breast milk does not kill the HIV virus.

Choice B is wrong because colostrum can also contain the HIV virus and testing it is not feasible or reliable.

Choice C is wrong because breastfeeding may still pose a risk of HIV transmission even if the infant is determined to be HIV positive.

The current recommendation in the United States supports shared decision-making between mothers and their healthcare providers regarding infant feeding.Mothers who have questions about breastfeeding or who want to breastfeed should receive patient-centered, evidence-based counseling on infant feeding options, allowing for shared decision-making.

Counseling should begin before conception, or as early as possible in pregnancy and should be

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On her second postpartum day, the mother of a newborn says, “The doctor says the baby has physiologic jaundice. Even though it is supposed to be normal, I don’t understand why it occurs.” Which fact regarding physiologic jaundice should form the basis of the nurse’s response?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 14-year-old patient is 10 weeks pregnant. In order to plan nutritional counseling for this patient, the nurse should have which understanding about adolescents’ nutritional needs during pregnancy?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A mother of a 3-hour-old infant requests information concerning breastfeeding. The mother has tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).A nurse’s response should be based on which fact?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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On her second postpartum day, the mother of a newborn says, “The doctor says the baby has physiologic jaundice.
Even though it is supposed to be normal, I don’t understand why it occurs.” Which fact regarding physiologic jaundice should form the basis of the nurse’s response?