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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: IgG. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different type of antibody that is not abundant in breast milk. IgG is a type of antibody that provides systemic immunity against various antigens. IgG is found in low concentrations in breast milk, as it does not cross the mammary epithelium easily. IgG can protect the infant from some infections, but it is mainly transferred from the mother to the fetus through the placenta during pregnancy.
Choice B Reason: IgE. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different type of antibody that is not relevant to breast milk. IgE is a type of antibody that mediates allergic reactions and parasitic infections. IgE is found in very low concentrations in breast milk, as it does not have a significant role in mucosal immunity. IgE can trigger mast cells and basophils to release histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, or bronchoconstriction.
Choice C Reason: IgA. This is because IgA is a type of antibody that protects mucosal surfaces from pathogens and toxins. IgA is found in high concentrations in breast milk, especially in colostrum (the first milk produced after delivery). IgA can bind to bacteria and viruses in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and prevent them from ataching to the intestinal wall or crossing into the bloodstream. IgA can also enhance the infant's immune system by stimulating lymphoid tissue development and modulating inflammatory responses.
Choice D Reason: IgM. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different type of antibody that is not abundant in breast milk. IgM is a type of antibody that activates complement system and agglutinates antigens. IgM is found in low concentrations in breast milk, as it does not cross the mammary epithelium easily due to its large size. IgM can protect the infant from some infections, but it is mainly produced by the infant's own immune system in response to exposure to antigens.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Shoulder dystocia. This is an incorrect answer that describes a different obstetric complication. Shoulder dystocia is a condition where the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone during delivery, which can cause nerve injury, fracture, or asphyxia to the baby. Shoulder dystocia does not cause fetal bradycardia, abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding.
Choice B Reason: Placental abruption. This is a correct answer that explains the symptoms of fetal bradycardia, abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding in a woman with a history of crack cocaine use. Placental abruption. This is because placental abruption is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can cause fetal distress, maternal hemorrhage, and shock. Placental abruption can be triggered by maternal hypertension, trauma, or substance abuse, such as crack cocaine.
Choice C Reason: Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a rare and fatal condition also known as amniotic fluid embolism. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy is a condition where amniotic fluid enters into the maternal bloodstream and causes an allergic reaction, which can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, coagulopathy, and coma. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy does not cause fetal bradycardia or vaginal bleeding.
Choice D Reason: Placenta previa. This is an incorrect answer that indicates another placental disorder. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers or is near the cervix, which can cause painless bright red bleeding during pregnancy or labor. Placenta previa does not cause fetal bradycardia or abdominal pain.
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