To prevent possible retinopathy in a preterm infant requiring oxygen therapy, the nurse will:
Keep the infant's eyes covered at all times.
Position with the head slightly lower than the body.
Administer low concentrations of oxygen.
Monitor arterial oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter.
The Correct Answer is C
Administer low concentrations of oxygen. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of retinal vascular and capillary proliferation affecting premature infants undergoing oxygen therapy. Oxygen treatment results in pathologic growth of vessels in the developing retina that may lead to permanent damage to the retina as well as retinal detachment and macular folds. Administering low concentrations of oxygen can help prevent ROP by reducing the oxygen-induced vasoconstriction and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.
Choice A is not correct because keeping the infant's eyes covered at all times does not prevent ROP. In fact, it may increase the risk of infection or injury to the eyes.
Choice B is not correct because positioning with the head slightly lower than the body does not prevent ROP. It may increase the intracranial pressure and affect the cerebral blood flow.
Choice D is not correct because monitoring arterial oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter does not prevent ROP. It is a useful tool to guide oxygen therapy, but it does not directly affect retinal vascular development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The Moro reflex was elicited. This is because the Moro reflex is a normal newborn reflex that occurs when the baby is startled by a loud noise or a sudden movement. The baby responds by extending the arms and legs, opening the hands, and then bringing the arms and legs back to the chest.
The Moro reflex is present at birth and disappears by 3 to 6 months of age.
Choice B is wrong because this is not abnormal for a full-term infant. The Moro reflex is a sign of a healthy nervous system and brain development.
Choice C is wrong because there is no evidence of an abnormality in the musculoskeletal system. The Moro reflex does not indicate any problems with the bones or muscles of the baby.
Choice D is wrong because the full-term infant should react to sudden movement. The Moro reflex is a protective response that helps the baby cling to the mother in case of danger.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
To check for postpartum hemorrhage.
This is because postpartum hemorrhage is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur within 24 hours of birth or later. It is defined as a blood loss of more than 500 mL in a vaginal delivery or more than 1000 mL in a cesarean delivery. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, which is the failure of the uterus to contract after delivery. Other causes include lacerations, retained placental fragments, coagulation disorders, and uterine rupture. Monitoring the vital signs, especially blood pressure, and pulse, can help detect signs of hypovolemia due to blood loss. Other signs include pale skin, cold and clammy extremities, delayed capillary refill, decreased urine output, and altered mental status.
Choice B is not correct because determining if the mother's milk is coming in is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Milk production usually begins around 48 to 72 hours after delivery and is influenced by hormonal changes, breastfeeding frequency, and maternal health. Although breastfeeding support is important for postpartum care, it is not a priority over checking for postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice C is not correct because monitoring the mother's blood pressure to note any elevations is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Elevated blood pressure can indicate gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which are serious conditions that can affect postpartum women. However, these conditions are more likely to cause symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, and proteinuria⁴.
Moreover, blood pressure may not be a sensitive indicator of blood loss and may remain normal until a significant amount of blood is lost¹.
Choice D is not correct because answering questions the new parents may have is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Although providing education and support to the new parents is an essential part of postpartum care, it is not a priority over checking for postpartum hemorrhage. The new parents may have questions about infant care, feeding, contraception, recovery, and other topics that can be addressed during the postpartum period.
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