The nurse notes that a newborn's white blood cell count (WBC) is 15,000. The nurse is aware that:.
This indicates a severe infection.
This is a normal WBC for a newborn.
This is a lab error.
You must call the doctor.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Iron will facilitate bone growth. This statement is not accurate in the context of feeding a newborn with iron-fortified formula. While iron is essential for overall growth and development, its primary role is not specifically related to bone growth. Instead, it plays a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in the blood.
Choice B rationale:
Newborns do not metabolize iron adequately. This statement is the correct choice. Newborns have limited iron stores that are obtained from their mothers during pregnancy. As they grow, their iron requirements increase, but their ability to metabolize iron is not fully developed at
birth. Hence, iron-fortified formula is recommended to provide the necessary iron for the newborn's healthy development.
Choice C rationale:
The newborn's iron source will start to deplete. This statement is not accurate in the context of iron-fortified formula feeding. The newborn's initial iron source is the iron stores passed on by the mother during pregnancy. However, the iron-fortified formula is designed to supplement and fulfill the baby's iron needs, preventing depletion of iron stores.
Choice D rationale:
Iron will facilitate eyesight development. This statement is not entirely accurate. While iron is important for many bodily functions, including eye health, it is not specifically responsible for eyesight development in newborns. Visual development in newborns is influenced by various factors, but iron intake through formula feeding directly impacting eyesight is not a primary concern.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
"This is a caput succedaneum, which is a collection of fluid from the pressure of the vacuum extractor.”.
Choice A rationale:
A Mongolian spot is a benign, flat, bluish-gray pigmented area often found on the sacral or gluteal area of some newborns with darker skin tones. It is not related to the swelling on the newborn's head caused by vacuum extraction.
Choice B rationale:
A caput succedaneum is a localized swelling on the baby's scalp that occurs due to pressure from the vacuum extractor during delivery. It is typically soft and may cross the suture lines. This explanation accurately describes the swelling the baby has on his head.
Choice C rationale:
Erythema toxicum is a common rash that appears as small red bumps with white or yellow centers. It is a benign and self-resolving condition that does not cause swelling on the head or involve the suture lines.
Choice D rationale:
A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and the periosteum that does not cross the suture lines. It is caused by trauma during birth and may take weeks to months to resolve. This does not match the description of the swelling caused by vacuum extraction.
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