The nurse is collecting a heel-stick blood specimen for a neonatal screen, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, prior to discharging a 2-day-old patient.
When the parents ask why these tests are being conducted, which explanation should the nurse provide?
This is a routine blood test required by law to screen for metabolic deficiencies.
Dosages for thyroid replacement therapy will be determined by this test.
This technique is used for early detection of intellectual disabilities.
These laboratory values will provide data to anticipate delays in growth and development.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The neonatal screening test, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, is a routine blood test required by law to screen for metabolic deficiencies. This test helps diagnose thyroid conditions. T4 is a thyroid hormone, and too much or too little of it can indicate an issue with the thyroid. TSH is a hormone your pituitary gland makes. It stimulates your thyroid to produce T4 and T3 (triiodothyronine) hormones. A TSH test is the best way to initially assess thyroid function. In fact, T4 tests more accurately reflect thyroid function when combined with a TSH test. Measuring T4 levels might not be necessary in all thyroid conditions. Other names for a T4 test include: Free thyroxine, Total T4 concentration, Thyroxine screen, Free T4 concentration, Free T4 index (FTI)1.
Choice B rationale
While the T4 and TSH tests can help diagnose thyroid conditions, they are not specifically used to determine dosages for thyroid replacement therapy. The dosage of thyroid replacement therapy is usually determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient’s medical condition, weight, age, laboratory test results, and response to treatment.
Choice C rationale
The neonatal screening test is not specifically used for the early detection of intellectual disabilities. However, it is important to note that untreated congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disabilities. Therefore, early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism generally result in normal growth and development.
Choice D rationale
While these laboratory values can provide data about the thyroid function of the newborn, they do not directly provide data to anticipate delays in growth and development. However, untreated congenital hypothyroidism can lead to growth and developmental delays. Therefore, early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism generally result in normal growth and development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen via a face mask is the first intervention the nurse should do. This is because the decrease in fetal heart rate after the last four contractions indicates possible fetal distress, which can be caused by insufficient oxygen. Administering oxygen to the mother can increase the amount of oxygen available to the fetus, potentially alleviating the distress.
Choice B rationale
Applying an internal fetal heart monitor can provide more accurate and continuous data about the fetal heart rate and contractions. However, this is usually not the first intervention because it is invasive and can only be done if the cervix is sufficiently dilated and the membranes have ruptured.
Choice C rationale
Using a vibroacoustic stimulator is a method used to wake a sleeping baby in the womb during a non-stress test. It is not typically used in response to signs of fetal distress during labor.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider is important when there are signs of fetal distress. However, the nurse has interventions, such as administering oxygen, that they can and should do immediately while the healthcare provider is being notified.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Paying close attention to the client’s account of the event is important, but it is not the most crucial intervention. The nurse should listen empathetically and nonjudgmentally to the client’s account, but this should not take precedence over ensuring the client’s physical well- being and preserving evidence.
Choice B rationale
Reporting the incident to the university’s security department is not the most crucial intervention. While it is important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, the nurse’s primary responsibility is to the client. Ensuring the client’s physical well-being and preserving evidence should take precedence.
Choice C rationale
Preventing the client from showering until all evidence is collected is the most crucial intervention. Showering can destroy valuable physical evidence that can be used in the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
Choice D rationale
Ascertaining the client’s personal reaction to the reported rape is important, but it is not the most crucial intervention. The nurse should provide emotional support and refer the client to counseling services, but this should not take precedence over ensuring the client’s physical well-being and preserving evidence.
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