The nurse is preparing a 4-day-old infant with a serum bilirubin level of 19 mg/dL (325 µmol/L) for discharge from the hospital. When teaching the parents about home phototherapy, which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan?
Total Bilirubin Reference Range: Newborn: 0.1 to 10.5 mg/dL (1.7 to 180 µmol/L)
Feed the infant every 4 hours.
Perform diaper changes under the light.
Reposition the infant every 2 hours.
Cover with a receiving blanket.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Feeding the infant every 4 hours is not a specific instruction for home phototherapy, which is a treatment that uses blue light to break down excess bilirubin in the skin and blood. However, feeding the infant frequently is important to promote hydration and elimination of bilirubin through urine and stool.
Choice B reason: Performing diaper changes under the light is not a recommended instruction for home phototherapy, which is a treatment that uses blue light to break down excess bilirubin in the skin and blood. The nurse should instruct the parents to turn off the light and cover the infant's eyes with protective goggles or patches during diaper changes to prevent eye damage or irritation.
Choice D reason: Covering with a receiving blanket is not an appropriate instruction for home phototherapy, which is a treatment that uses blue light to break down excess bilirubin in the skin and blood. The nurse should instruct the parents to keep the infant unclothed except for a diaper and eye protection during phototherapy to maximize skin exposure to the light and increase its effectiveness.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Measuring urine output daily is not a specific statement for the nurse to include, as this is a general recommendation for all clients with urinary catheters and does not address the potential complications of a suprapubic catheter. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Observing urine color and clarity is not a relevant statement for the nurse to include, as this does not reflect the condition of the suprapubic catheter or its insertion site. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C: Inspecting genital area for signs of infection is an important statement for the nurse to include, as this can help detect and prevent urinary tract infection, peritonitis, or abscess formation, which are common risks associated with suprapubic catheters. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Palpating flank area for tenderness is not a necessary statement for the nurse to include, as this is not an accurate or reliable method to assess for kidney function or damage, which are unlikely to occur with a suprapubic catheter. This is another distractor choice.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should prioritize interventions that address the client's immediate needs, such as oxygenation and circulation.
Choice B reason: Preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is an appropriate action for preventing further clot formation and reducing the risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first stabilize the client's condition before administering anticoagulant therapy.
Choice D reason: Bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is a prudent action, but not the first one. The nurse should prepare for possible cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac arrest, but should first attempt to prevent it by providing oxygen and other supportive measures.
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