The nurse is caring for an 18-hour-old newborn who has not voided for the first time yet. What is the nurse's priority action?
Notifying the provider immediately.
Pressing on the bladder to prevent urine retention.
Administering IV fluid.
Documenting and continuing monitoring.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Notifying the provider immediately may be an appropriate action in certain urgent situations. However, for a newborn who has not voided for the first time yet, it is not an immediate emergency. The priority is to assess the newborn's condition further before notifying the provider.
Choice B rationale:
Pressing on the bladder to prevent urine retention is not a recommended action. Applying pressure on the newborn's bladder can be harmful and is not a standard nursing practice.
Choice C rationale:
Administering IV fluid is not the priority action for a newborn who has not voided. Newborns usually receive sufficient hydration from breastfeeding or formula feeding, and administering IV fluid without proper indication can lead to potential complications.
Choice D rationale:
Documenting and continuing monitoring is the correct priority action in this situation. Newborns often take some time to pass their first urine, and it is considered normal for them to have delayed voiding within the first 24 hours after birth. The nurse should document the absence of voiding and monitor the newborn for any signs of distress or abnormalities. If the newborn's condition worsens or if there are other concerning symptoms, then notifying the provider may be necessary.
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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This is the priority finding because a bilirubin level of 18 mg/dL in a 4-hour-old newborn is significantly elevated. High bilirubin levels in newborns can lead to jaundice, which can be harmful if not promptly addressed. Hyperbilirubinemia in newborns requires close monitoring and, in some cases, treatment with phototherapy.
Choice B rationale:
A hemoglobin level of 22 g/dL is within the normal range for a newborn and is not a priority concern at this time.
Choice C rationale:
A blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL is within the normal range for a newborn. While monitoring blood glucose levels is essential, it is not the priority in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
A platelet count of 200,000/mm³ is within the normal range for a newborn and does not require immediate action.
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