The Mother-Baby nurse is caring for a two hour old newborn who is 36 4/7 weeks gestation. The nurse assesses that the newborn is experiencing tremors (jiteriness). What nursing action has the highest priority?
Select one:
Obtain a bilirubin level.
Place a pulse oximeter on the newborn.
Obtain a blood glucose level.
Take the newborn's vital signs.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: Obtain a bilirubin level. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an irrelevant and unnecessary nursing action for a newborn with tremors or jiteriness. Obtaining a bilirubin level is a nursing action that is indicated for a newborn with jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes), which can occur due to increased bilirubin production or decreased bilirubin excretion. Jaundice does not cause tremors or jiteriness in newborns.
Choice B Reason: Place a pulse oximeter on the newborn. This is an incorrect answer that suggests an inappropriate and insufficient nursing action for a newborn with tremors or jiteriness. Placing a pulse oximeter on the newborn is a nursing action that measures oxygen saturation and heart rate, which can indicate hypoxia (low oxygen level) or distress in newborns. Hypoxia can cause tremors or jiteriness in newborns, but it is not the only or most likely cause. Placing a pulse oximeter on the newborn does not provide enough information to diagnose or treat hypoglycemia.
Choice C Reason: Obtain a blood glucose level. This is because tremors or jiteriness are common signs of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in newborns, which can occur due to various factors such as prematurity, maternal diabetes, infection, or cold stress. Hypoglycemia can cause neurological damage or death if not treated promptly and effectively. Obtaining a blood glucose level is a nursing action that has the highest priority for a newborn with tremors or jiteriness, as it can confirm the diagnosis and guide the treatment.
Choice D Reason: Take the newborn's vital signs. This is an incorrect answer that implies an inadequate and delayed nursing action for a newborn with tremors or jiteriness. Taking the newborn's vital signs is a nursing action that monitors temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, which can indicate general health status and stability in newborns. Taking the newborn's vital signs may reveal signs of hypoglycemia, such as hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, or hypotension, but it is not a specific or definitive test for hypoglycemia. Taking the newborn's vital signs may also waste valuable time that could be used to obtain a blood glucose level and initiate treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "If I go too long overdue, the amniotic fluid volume can become too low for my baby to be safe." This is a correct answer that indicates that the client understands one of the Reasons for induction of labor at 42 weeks' pregnancy.
Choice B Reason: "My baby took longer to grow, and now she's ready to be born." This is an incorrect answer that shows a misconception about fetal growth and development. Fetal growth does not depend on gestational age alone, but also on genetic, maternal, placental, and environmental factors. A post-term fetus does not necessarily grow faster or larger than a term fetus. In fact, some post-term fetuses may experience intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which means slower than expected growth for gestational age.
Choice C Reason: "I don't really need this induction, my baby will come whenever he wants to." This is an incorrect answer that reveals a lack of awareness or acceptance of the need for induction of labor at 42 weeks' pregnancy. Induction of labor is recommended for post-term pregnancies to prevent potential complications such as fetal distress, stillbirth, or maternal hemorrhage.
Choice D Reason: "Since I am so tired of being pregnant, I am being induced." This is an incorrect answer that implies that induction of labor is based on maternal preference or convenience rather than medical indication. Induction of labor should not be done without a valid Reason or informed consent, as it carries some risks such as failed induction, prolonged labor, infection, uterine rupture, or cesarean delivery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Two arteries, one vein. This is because two arteries and one vein are the normal components of the umbilical cord, which is a structure that connects the fetus to the placenta and provides blood circulation between them. The umbilical cord carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus through the umbilical vein, and deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta through the umbilical arteries.
Choice B Reason: Two veins, one artery. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is known as single umbilical artery (SUA). SUA is a condition where there is only one umbilical artery instead of two, which can reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. SUA can be associated with congenital anomalies or growth restriction in some cases.
Choice C Reason: Two veins, two arteries. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is known as double umbilical vein (DUV). DUV is a condition where there are two umbilical veins instead of one, which can increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. DUV can be associated with fetal overgrowth or polycythemia in some cases.
Choice D Reason: One artery, one vein. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is also known as single umbilical artery (SUA). SUA is a condition where there is only one umbilical artery instead of two, which can reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. SUA can be associated with congenital anomalies or growth restriction in some cases.
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