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 B
Explanation
Choice A: Notifying the emergency response team of the client's seizure is not a necessary action for the nurse, as the seizure has already stopped and there is no immediate threat to the client's life. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Keeping orienting the client to time and place until he is less confused is an appropriate action for the nurse, as this can help restore the client's cognitive function and reduce his anxiety after a seizure. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice C: Explaining the postictal state that usually follows seizures is not a priority action for the nurse, as this can be done later when the client is more alert and receptive. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D: Asking the wife to wait outside the room until the nurse can talk with her is not a considerate action for the nurse, as this can increase her stress and worry about her husband's condition. This is a contraindicated 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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