Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan of care for a newborn receiving phototherapy? Select one:
Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn to maximize light absorption.
Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily.
Keeping the newborn in the supine position.
Feeding every 3 hours to maximize intake of fluids and output.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn to maximize light absorption. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a contraindicated and harmful intervention that can interfere with phototherapy. Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn can create a barrier or a reflective surface that can reduce the exposure and penetration of light to the skin, which can decrease the efficacy of phototherapy. Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn can also cause skin irritation, infection, or burns, as it can trap heat and moisture under the light source.
Choice B Reason: Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily. This is an incorrect answer that suggests a detrimental and dangerous intervention that can impair phototherapy. Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily can cause dehydration, hypoglycemia, or electrolyte imbalance in newborns, which can worsen jaundice and increase the risk of complications such as kernicterus (brain damage due to high bilirubin levels). Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily can also decrease the excretion of bilirubin through urine or stool, which can counteract the effect of phototherapy.
Choice C Reason: Keeping the newborn in the supine position. This is an incorrect answer that implies an incomplete and inadequate intervention that can limit phototherapy. Keeping the newborn in the supine position is a nursing action that involves placing the newborn on their back, which can expose their anterior body surface to light.
However, keeping the newborn in the supine position alone is not sufficient for phototherapy, as it does not expose their posterior body surface to light. The nurse should also reposition the newborn frequently to expose different body parts to light, such as their sides or abdomen.
Choice D Reason: Feeding every 3 hours to maximize intake of fluids and output. This is because feeding every 3 hours is a nursing intervention that can enhance the effectiveness and safety of phototherapy, which is a treatment that uses blue or white light to reduce the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down, which can cause jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) if it accumulates in excess. Phototherapy works by converting bilirubin into a water-soluble form that can be excreted through urine or stool. Feeding every 3 hours can increase the intake of fluids and calories, which can promote hydration, nutrition, and elimination of bilirubin.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Milia. This is an incorrect answer that describes a different skin condition. Milia are tiny white or yellow cysts that appear on the nose, chin, or cheeks of newborns. They are caused by the retention of keratin in the sebaceous glands or hair follicles. They usually disappear within a few weeks without treatment.
Choice B Reason: Dermal melanosis. This is a correct answer that explains the finding of bluish markings across the newborn's lower back. Dermal melanosis. This is because dermal melanosis, also known as Mongolian spots, is a common benign skin condition that affects newborns of Asian, African, or Hispanic descent. It is characterized by bluish-gray or brown patches of pigmentation on the lower back, butocks, or extremities. It is caused by the migration of melanocytes from the neural crest to the dermis during embryonic development. It usually fades by 2 to 4 years of age.
Choice C Reason: Stork bites. This is an incorrect answer that refers to another skin condition. Stork bites, also known as salmon patches or nevus simplex, are flat pink or red marks that appear on the forehead, eyelids, nose, upper lip, or nape of the neck of newborns. They are caused by dilated capillaries in the superficial dermis. They usually fade by 18 months of age.
Choice D Reason: Birth trauma. This is an incorrect answer that implies an injury or damage to the newborn's skin or tissues during labor and delivery. Birth trauma can cause bruises, abrasions, lacerations, fractures, or nerve injuries. It is not related to bluish markings on the lower back.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Physiologic anemia due to maternal increased plasma volume. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different condition that affects hemoglobin levels, not blood pressure. Physiologic anemia is a condition where the maternal plasma volume increases more than the red blood cell mass during pregnancy, which dilutes the hemoglobin concentration and lowers the hematocrit value. Physiologic anemia does not cause significant symptoms or complications in pregnant women, as it is an adaptive mechanism that enhances oxygen delivery and prevents fluid overload.
Choice B Reason: Pressure of the gravid uterus on the maternal inferior vena cava and aorta. This is because this statement explains the cause of supine hypotensive syndrome, which is a condition where lying flat on the back causes compression of the major blood vessels by the gravid uterus, which reduces venous return and cardiac output, which lowers blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Supine hypotensive syndrome can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, pallor, or syncope in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester.
Choice C Reason: Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a different condition that affects respiratory function, not blood pressure. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm is a result of cephalic engagement or lightening, which occurs when the fetal head descends into the pelvis and occupies more space in the abdominal cavity. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm can cause symptoms such as dyspnea, heartburn, or rib pain in pregnant women.
Choice D Reason: A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy. This is an incorrect answer that describes a normal physiological change that occurs during pregnancy, not a cause of supine hypotensive syndrome. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy is due to increased production of plasma and red blood cells, which helps meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands of the fetus and placenta, and prepares the mother for blood loss during delivery. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy does not cause hypotension or dizziness in pregnant women.
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