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 B
Explanation
A: Ensure that the room is warm and undress the child completely. While a warm room is important to keep the child comfortable, undressing the child completely can cause distress and discomfort, especially in toddlers who may feel exposed and vulnerable.
B: Have the parent remove the child's outer clothing and remove the diaper or training pants when necessary. This approach is more appropriate as it allows the child to remain relatively comfortable and secure. The parent’s involvement helps reassure the child, and only removing necessary clothing minimizes distress. It also allows for targeted examination without fully undressing the child, which is less intimidating for toddlers.
C: Help the child take off his/her clothes, removing underwear only to conduct examination of the genitalia. Assisting the child in removing clothes can be helpful, but it might be more comforting and less invasive if the parent is involved in this process. Removing underwear only when necessary for a genital examination is appropriate, but it might still be distressing for the child without prior explanation and parental presence.
D: Prior to helping the child remove his/her clothing, use a paper doll to demonstrate removal of clothing. Demonstrating the process using a paper doll can be an effective way to prepare the child for what will happen during the assessment, reducing anxiety. However, this is more of a preparatory step rather than a direct protocol for the physical assessment itself. It can be a helpful adjunct to the primary method but is not sufficient on its own.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assess daily alcohol intake: Alcohol misuse can contribute to a variety of psychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations or delusions. Older adults may metabolize alcohol differently, leading to higher susceptibility to its effects. While this is important, it may not be the first priority unless there are clear signs of alcohol misuse (e.g., smell of alcohol, history provided by the client or family).
B. Identify signs of depression: Depression in older adults can sometimes present with psychotic features, including hallucinations or delusions. Understanding the client's emotional state and identifying symptoms of depression can provide insight into the cause of their behaviour. Depression is common in older adults and can be a precursor or a component of other psychiatric conditions.
C. Determine cognitive status: Cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia) can often present with hallucinations or delusions, and evaluating cognitive status can help differentiate between different types of disorders (e.g., dementia vs. primary psychotic disorders). Assessing cognitive function helps in identifying conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other dementias where hallucinations can be a symptom. This assessment can guide the further direction of evaluation and treatment, making it a critical first step.
D. Review risk factors for abuse: Older adults are at risk of abuse, which can include physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for their safety and well-being. While this is a significant concern, unless there are immediate signs or disclosures of abuse, it may not be the most urgent assessment in the context of hallucinations.
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