The purpose of surfactant is to?
Provide a heat source for the newborn.
Assist the alveoli to remain open.
Assist the ductus arteriosus to remain open.
Provide energy to the newborn.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Providing a heat source for the newborn is not the purpose of surfactant. Surfactant is a substance produced in the lungs to reduce surface tension and prevent alveolar collapse during expiration. It helps with the exchange of gases, but it does not generate heat.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Surfactant plays a crucial role in assisting the alveoli to remain open by reducing surface tension. This, in turn, allows for proper gas exchange, especially of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the ductus arteriosus to remain open is not the purpose of surfactant. The ductus arteriosus is a fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the lungs. After birth, it should close on its own, and surfactant does not influence this process.
Choice D rationale:
Providing energy to the newborn is not the purpose of surfactant. Energy for the newborn comes from nutrition, particularly breast milk or formula, and not from surfactant
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pseudomenstration is a normal finding in newborn females due to the withdrawal of maternal hormones. It is not a cause for concern and typically resolves within a few days after birth.
Choice B rationale:
Positive Ortolan's test is a concerning finding in a newborn and indicates the possibility of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This test is used to check for hip instability, and a positive result may warrant further evaluation and intervention to prevent long-term hip problems.
Choice C rationale:
Dermal melanosis, also known as Mongolian spots, is a common benign condition in newborns with dark skin. It appears as blue or gray patches and typically fades within the first few years of life. While it may be alarming to parents, it is not a cause for immediate concern.
Choice D rationale:
Gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue in male infants, is relatively common and is caused by the transfer of maternal hormones during pregnancy. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks and does not pose a significant health risk.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer may provide warmth, but it does not address the observed signs of respiratory distress, jitteriness, and lethargy. These signs indicate potential respiratory and neurological issues, which need to be assessed and managed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Initiating phototherapy is not appropriate for the observed signs of respiratory distress, jitteriness, and lethargy. Phototherapy is used to treat neonatal jaundice caused by elevated bilirubin levels, which is not evident from the given information.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should obtain blood glucose by heel stick to assess the newborn's blood sugar levels. The signs of jitteriness and lethargy may be indicative of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is common in newborns. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the baby's well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Measuring the newborn's blood pressure is not the priority at this moment. The observed signs suggest respiratory distress and potential hypoglycemia, which need immediate attention. Blood pressure assessment may be important later on, but it is not the first action the nurse should take based on the given information.
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