The nurse is assessing a newborn who was precipitously delivered at 38-weeks gestation The newborn is tremulous, tachycardic, and hypertensive. Which assessment action is most important for the nurse to implement?
Obtain a drug screen for cocaine
Weigh and measure the newborn
Determine reactivity of neonatal reflexes
Perform gestational age assessment
The Correct Answer is A
A. Obtain a drug screen for cocaine: Given the symptoms described (tremulous, tachycardic, hypertensive), there may be concern about drug exposure, and cocaine is a substance known to cause such symptoms in newborns. Therefore, obtaining a drug screen for cocaine is a reasonable and important action to determine if there was prenatal exposure.
B. Weigh and measure the newborn: While weighing and measuring the newborn is a routine part of the newborn assessment, it may not be the most crucial action in this context. The symptoms described suggest the need for a more immediate assessment related to possible drug exposure.
C. Determine reactivity of neonatal reflexes: Assessing the reactivity of neonatal reflexes is an important part of the newborn assessment, but in this specific situation, the symptoms described (tremulous, tachycardic, hypertensive) may warrant a more focused and immediate assessment related to drug exposure.
D. Perform gestational age assessment: Gestational age assessment is essential for understanding the newborn's maturity and adjusting care accordingly. However, in this scenario, the immediate concern seems to be the symptoms the newborn is presenting with, and addressing the possibility of drug exposure takes precedence.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Determine fetal position by performing Leopold maneuvers:
Leopold maneuvers are used to determine the fetal position and presentation by palpating the mother's abdomen. While this information can be valuable, it's not the highest priority in a situation where there is significant vaginal bleeding.
B. Assess the fetal heart rate and client's contraction pattern:
This is the highest priority because it directly addresses the immediate concern. Monitoring the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern helps to assess the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
C. Confirm Rh and Coombs status for Rho(D) immunoglobulin administration:
While determining Rh status is important, it may not be the immediate priority in this situation. However, if there is a need for Rho(D) immunoglobulin administration, it should be addressed in a timely manner.
D. Perform sterile vaginal examination to determine dilatation:
Performing a sterile vaginal examination is an important aspect of assessing the progress of labor, but it may not be the highest priority when there is significant vaginal bleeding. The focus initially should be on assessing the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Inspect the client's face for edema:
Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy may be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can involve fluid retention. Edema, particularly in the face, is one of the signs that the nurse should assess for in determining if preeclampsia is a concern.
Ascertain the frequency of headaches:
Frequent headaches can be a symptom of various conditions, including preeclampsia. Gathering information about the frequency and characteristics of headaches can provide additional data for assessing the client's overall condition.
Evaluate for history of cluster headaches:
Cluster headaches, while severe, are not typically associated with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. This information might not be directly relevant to the client's current symptoms.
Observe and time client's contractions:
Contractions are not typically associated with nausea, vomiting, or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. This action may not address the primary concerns presented by the client.
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