Three hours after birth, a newborn becomes jittery and tachypneic. What should the nurse do first?
Obtain a capillary glucose level.
Feed 30 mL of 10% dextrose in water.
Wrap tightly in a blanket.
Encourage the mother to breastfeed.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Obtain a capillary glucose level. This is the first action that the nurse should do, as it can diagnose hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level that can cause jitteriness and tachypnea in newborns. Hypoglycemia can be caused by maternal diabetes, prematurity, infection, or delayed feeding. The nurse should check the glucose level using a heel stick and a glucometer.
Choice B: Feed 30 mL of 10% dextrose in water. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not be appropriate for all newborns with jitteriness and tachypnea. Feeding 10% dextrose in water can raise the blood sugar level, but it may also cause rebound hypoglycemia or fluid overload. The nurse should feed only after confirming hypoglycemia and obtaining a healthcare provider's order.
Choice C: Wrap tightly in a blanket. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not address the underlying cause of jitteriness and tachypnea in newborns. Wrapping tightly in a blanket can prevent heat loss and conserve energy, but it may also impair breathing or circulation. The nurse should wrap only after ruling out other causes of jitteriness and tachypnea.
Choice D: Encourage the mother to breastfeed. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not be feasible or effective for all newborns with jitteriness and tachypnea. Breastfeeding can provide nutrition and bonding for newborns, but it may also be difficult or contraindicated for some newborns with respiratory distress or infection. The nurse should encourage breastfeeding only after assessing and stabilizing the newborn's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice B reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increasing the intake of dark green leafy vegetables while taking warfarin is not a good instruction because it can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin. Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is a coagulation factor that counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Choice B reason: Eating two servings of dark green leafy vegetables daily and continuing for 30 days after warfarin therapy is completed is not a good instruction because it can cause bleeding complications. Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is a coagulation factor that counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Stopping warfarin while continuing to eat high amounts of vitamin K can increase the risk of clot formation and thromboembolism.
Choice D reason: Avoiding eating any foods that contain any vitamin K because it is an antagonist of warfarin is not a good instruction because it can cause bleeding complications. Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is a coagulation factor that counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Eliminating vitamin K from the diet can increase the sensitivity to warfarin and cause excessive bleeding and bruising.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today