A full-term, 24-hour-old infant in the nursery regurgitates and suddenly turns cyanotic. Which immediate intervention should the practical nurse (PN) implement?
Turn the infant onto the right side.
Suction the oral and nasal passages.
Give oxygen by positive pressure.
Stimulate the infant to cry.
The Correct Answer is B
In this scenario, the sudden regurgitation and cyanosis in a 24-hour-old infant indicate a potential airway obstruction or compromise. The immediate priority is to clear the airway and ensure adequate ventilation.
Suctioning the oral and nasal passages helps remove any potential obstruction or mucus that may be causing the cyanosis. This intervention aims to restore normal airflow and prevent further respiratory distress in the infant.
Let's briefly evaluate the other options:
a) Turn the infant onto the right side.
Positioning the infant onto the right side does not directly address the potential airway obstruction or cyanosis. While positioning may have some benefit in certain situations, such as facilitating drainage, it is not the most appropriate immediate intervention in this case.
c) Give oxygen by positive pressure.
Administering oxygen by positive pressure may be necessary if the infant's oxygen saturation remains low after suctioning and clearing the airway. However, suctioning should be the initial intervention to address any potential airway obstruction or mucus before considering oxygen administration.
d) Stimulate the infant to cry.
Stimulating the infant to cry is not the appropriate intervention in this case. It does not directly address the potential airway obstruction or cyanosis. Crying requires a patent airway, and if the infant is already cyanotic, it suggests an obstruction or inadequate ventilation. Therefore, suctioning and clearing the airway take precedence over stimulating the infant to cry.
In summary, when a full-term, 24-hour-old infant in the nursery regurgitates and suddenly turns cyanotic, the practical nurse should immediately suction the oral and nasal passages to clear any potential airway obstruction or mucus. This intervention aims to restore normal airflow and ensure adequate ventilation for the infant.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Continuing with the triage process is not an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse because it can expose more people to the chemical spill and worsen their condition. The triage nurse should stop the triage process and alert the emergency department staff about the potential contamination.
Choice B reason: Evacuating the emergency department is an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse because it can prevent further exposure and harm to other clients, staff, and visitors. The emergency department should be cleared and sealed until it is safe to re-enter.
Choice C reason: Placing the client in a private room is not an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse because it can contaminate the room and its equipment, as well as pose a risk to anyone who enters or leaves the room. The client should be isolated in a designated area for decontamination.
Choice D reason: Treating the client after contaminated items are removed is not an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse because it can delay the treatment and increase the absorption of the chemical into the body. The client should be treated as soon as possible after decontamination.
Choice E reason: Sending the client and EMS crew to decontamination is an immediate intervention that needs to be taken by the triage nurse because it can remove or neutralize the chemical from their skin, clothing, and equipment, as well as reduce their symptoms and complications. The client and EMS crew should be directed to a designated area for decontamination.
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