Using the Ballard Gestational Age Assessment Tool, the nurse determines that a 15-minute old client has a gestational age of 42 weeks. Based on this finding, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Apply a pulse oximeter to the foot
Draw arterial blood gases.
Obtain a capillary blood glucose.
Provide blow by oxygen.
The Correct Answer is C
A: Apply a pulse oximeter to the foot. Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation can help detect hypoxemia early, which can be a concern in post-term infants due to potential respiratory distress or meconium aspiration. However, while important, this is a monitoring measure and not an immediate corrective action for potential metabolic or respiratory issues directly associated with post-term birth.
B: Draw arterial blood gases. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) provide critical information about the newborn's acid-base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation status. Post-term infants are at risk for hypoxia and acidosis, often due to placental insufficiency or meconium aspiration. However, obtaining ABGs can be invasive and might not be the first-line immediate action unless there are signs of severe distress.
C: Obtain a capillary blood glucose. Post-term infants are at increased risk for hypoglycaemia due to increased glucose utilization and possible depletion of glycogen stores. Hypoglycaemia can lead to serious complications if not promptly identified and managed. Therefore, checking blood glucose levels is a critical, non-invasive, and immediate step to ensure metabolic stability and prevent complications such as seizures and brain injury.
D: Provide blow-by oxygen. Blow-by oxygen is used to provide supplemental oxygen in a non-invasive manner and can help in cases of mild respiratory distress. Post-term infants can be at risk for respiratory issues, including meconium aspiration syndrome. However, this is usually applied when there is evidence of respiratory distress and not as a routine measure without specific indications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Firm, larger, and very tender to touch. This option describes the characteristics of engorged breasts, which typically occur a few days after birth as milk production increases and the breasts become full. Engorged breasts can feel firm, swollen, and tender to the touch due to the increased blood flow and milk accumulation. However, on the first postpartum day, engorgement may not yet be fully developed.
B. Soft, with no change from before delivery. This option is unlikely as the breasts typically undergo changes during the postpartum period, especially with the initiation of lactation. Soft breasts with no change from before delivery would not be expected on the first postpartum day.
C. Filling and secreting colostrum. This option is the most likely finding on the first postpartum day. Colostrum, the early milk produced by the breasts, begins to be secreted during the late stages of pregnancy and continues after birth. On the first postpartum day, the breasts may be filling with colostrum, which is typically thicker and more concentrated than mature breast milk. It is produced in small amounts, about 40-50ml on the first day but that is all an infant normally needs at this time.
D. Slightly firm with immediate let-down response. While some firmness may be present due to the initiation of lactation, an immediate let-down response is less likely on the first postpartum day. The let-down reflex, which triggers the release of milk from the breast, may take some time to establish and may not occur immediately after delivery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Longitudinal pigmented bands and red-brown linear streaks of recent onset. This description is more indicative of longitudinal melanonychia, which presents as pigmented bands along the length of the nail plate. It's not typically associated with finger clubbing.
B. Thinned, depressed nails with lateral edges tilting up to form a concave profile and proximal subungual fungal infection. This description suggests koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, which are characterized by thin, depressed nails with lateral edges tilting up. The mention of a fungal infection points to a different condition. It doesn't align with finger clubbing.
C. Transverse furrows and nail plate white spots that move forward with nail growth. This description corresponds to Beau's lines and leukonychia, which are not associated with finger clubbing. Beau's lines are transverse furrows or depressions in the nail plate, while leukonychia manifests as white spots or lines.
D. A nail base angle greater than 180 degrees and nail plate loosened at the distal-lateral edge, progressing proximally. This description fits the characteristics of finger clubbing, where there's an increased nail base angle (greater than 180 degrees) and the nail plate is loosened at the distal-lateral edge, progressing proximally. This choice aligns with the assessment finding.
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