A mother asks whether or not she should be concerned that her baby never opens his mouth to breathe when his nose is so small. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?
"Babies usually breathe in and out through their noses so they can feed without choking."
"You are right. I will report the baby's small nasal openings to the pediatrician right away.*
*Everything about babies is small. It truly is amazing how everything works so well."
"The baby does rarely open his mouth but you can see that he isn't in any distress.
The Correct Answer is A
A) "Babies usually breathe in and out through their noses so they can feed without choking.":
Newborns are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their noses rather than their mouths, which helps coordinate breathing with feeding. This nasal breathing mechanism helps prevent aspiration and ensures that babies can feed while still breathing. It is perfectly normal for a baby to primarily use their nose for breathing, especially in the early days of life, and no cause for concern should be raised about small nasal openings unless the baby is showing signs of respiratory distress.
B) "You are right. I will report the baby's small nasal openings to the pediatrician right away.":
A small nasal opening is common in newborns and is not usually a cause for alarm unless it interferes with breathing, feeding, or shows signs of a more significant anatomical issue. There is no immediate need to report it unless the baby is having trouble breathing or feeding. The nurse should offer reassurance instead.
C) "Everything about babies is small. It truly is amazing how everything works so well.":
While this response may seem comforting, it is not very informative. It dismisses the mother’s concern rather than providing a clear and educational explanation. Reassuring the mother with factual information about why babies breathe through their noses and how this works effectively for them would be more helpful.
D) "The baby does rarely open his mouth but you can see that he isn't in any distress.":
This response minimizes the importance of the mother’s question and doesn’t fully address her concern. While it’s true that babies rarely open their mouths to breathe, the explanation needs to focus on the physiological reasoning behind it. The nurse should also reassure the mother that nasal breathing is normal in newborns and not typically a concern unless signs of distress are present.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) The urethra, bladder, and urinary meatus are edematous:
Postpartum women often experience edema in the urethra, bladder, and urinary meatus due to the pressure exerted during delivery. This swelling can make it difficult for the woman to feel the urge to urinate, even when her bladder is full. Encouraging her to urinate every 2 hours helps prevent overdistension of the bladder, which can lead to urinary retention and other complications.
B) She has decreased sensitivity to fluid pressures after a vaginal birth:
After childbirth, especially a vaginal birth, the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues can be numb or less sensitive due to trauma, swelling, and the effects of anesthesia. This decreased sensitivity makes it harder for the woman to sense when she needs to urinate. Encouraging regular voiding even without the urge helps to prevent urinary retention, which is common in the immediate postpartum period.
C) At 12 hours postpartum, she will begin diuresing:
Diuresis, the process of excreting excess fluid retained during pregnancy, typically begins within 12 hours postpartum. This increased urine output can make it even more important for the mother to void regularly to prevent urinary retention. If the bladder is not emptied regularly, it can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of complications like bladder distention or infection.
D) There is no cause for concern as long as the patient urinates once per shift:
This is not true. A postpartum woman should void more frequently than once per shift (which is about every 8 hours). Urinating only once every shift can lead to urinary retention, bladder overdistension, and possible infection. The recommendation to urinate every 2 hours helps ensure proper bladder emptying and reduces the risk of complications.
E) A full bladder can lead to postpartum hemorrhage:
A full bladder can indeed contribute to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). An overdistended bladder can displace the uterus, preventing it from contracting effectively after delivery. This can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Regular voiding helps prevent bladder distention and supports uterine contraction, thereby reducing the risk of hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Don't do anything, this is a normal finding:
While it's true that acrocyanosis (bluish-purple discoloration of the hands and feet) can be a normal finding in the first 24-48 hours of life due to immature circulation, it’s important to assess the severity of the condition and rule out more serious causes. Just ignoring it without assessing the infant’s oxygenation status could lead to missing a potential respiratory issue.
B) Check the infant's O2 sat:
The most appropriate action is to assess the infant’s oxygen saturation levels. Acrocyanosis is typically benign and resolves on its own, but persistent cyanosis or a drop in oxygen saturation could indicate a more serious issue, such as respiratory distress or congenital heart disease. A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive tool that can help determine whether the infant’s oxygenation is adequate. This would help guide further clinical decisions.
C) Call the MD for referral:
Calling the doctor should only be considered if the baby’s oxygen saturation levels are low, or if other concerning symptoms (like poor feeding, lethargy, or significant difficulty breathing) are present. If the O2 saturation is normal, there’s no immediate need for referral. The key is to assess first before escalating to the provider.
D) Put socks and mittens on the infant to keep them warm:
Although providing warmth can help with maintaining body temperature, simply putting socks and mittens on the baby is not sufficient to rule out respiratory issues or other causes of cyanosis. If the infant’s oxygen saturation is normal and the baby is otherwise stable, this may be appropriate. However, checking the O2 saturation first is the correct step to ensure that no underlying respiratory problems are contributing to the cyanosis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.