A new mother asks the nurse about the white substance" covering her infant. The nurse explains that the purpose of vernix caseosa is to:

Protect the fetal skin from amniotic fluid.

Promote normal peripheral nervous system development.

Allow transport of oxygen and nutrients across the amnion.

Regulate fetal temperature.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Protect the fetal skin from amniotic fluid:
Vernix caseosa is a whitish, cheese-like substance that covers the skin of the fetus during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It plays an essential role in protecting the fetal skin from prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid, which can be irritating. Vernix also serves as a barrier that helps prevent water loss and protects against potential infections.

B) Promote normal peripheral nervous system development:
While the development of the peripheral nervous system is vital to fetal development, the presence of vernix caseosa is not directly related to promoting nervous system development. The vernix's primary function is to protect the skin, not influence neural development. Neural development occurs due to other factors, such as adequate nutrition and hormonal regulation during pregnancy.

C) Allow transport of oxygen and nutrients across the amnion:
Vernix caseosa does not play a role in transporting oxygen or nutrients across the amnion. Oxygen and nutrients are transferred to the fetus through the placenta and the umbilical cord. The amniotic sac, which contains amniotic fluid, provides a cushioning effect for the fetus, but the vernix itself does not participate in nutrient or oxygen exchange.

D) Regulate fetal temperature:
Vernix caseosa does not directly regulate fetal temperature. Fetal temperature regulation is mainly managed by the mother's body through thermoregulation and the umbilical blood flow. The vernix may provide some protection against temperature fluctuations after birth, but its primary function is to protect the skin, not to regulate temperature.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Has at least six to eight wet diapers per day:
One of the most reliable signs of effective breastfeeding is adequate hydration and urine output, which can be assessed by the number of wet diapers. A well-fed infant should have at least six to eight wet diapers per day, indicating that they are taking in sufficient breast milk and are adequately hydrated. This is a key indicator of successful breastfeeding and helps to ensure that the baby is getting enough milk.

B) Sleeps for 6 hours at a time between feedings:
While it is normal for newborns to sleep, they should not go for long periods without feeding, especially in the early days of life. Newborns typically need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, and a sleep pattern of 6 hours between feedings could be concerning, as it may indicate that the baby is not waking up frequently enough to eat. This could result in inadequate milk intake and dehydration. Breastfeeding on demand is important, and frequent feedings help to stimulate milk production.

C) Gains 1 to 2 ounces per week:
A typical weight gain for a newborn is about 4 to 7 ounces per week during the first few months of life. Gaining 1 to 2 ounces per week could be lower than expected, and while weight gain is an important indicator of breastfeeding effectiveness, it is not the most immediate or reliable sign in the first week, especially if the baby is otherwise feeding well and producing an adequate number of wet diapers.

D) Has at least one breast milk stool every 24 hours:
While it is normal for a newborn to have breast milk stools, the frequency can vary widely. Some infants may pass stools after every feeding, while others may have fewer. One stool every 24 hours is not necessarily a sign of inadequate breastfeeding, especially if the baby is having a good number of wet diapers. The stool pattern can differ from baby to baby, and as long as the infant is feeding well and producing sufficient wet diapers, stool frequency alone is not the best indicator of breastfeeding success.

A. Clear fluids from airway B. Immediately assess and bathe baby C. Dry infant thoroughly D. Place baby skin to skin E. Give erythromycin ointment in baby's eyes

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

A) Clear fluids from airway:
Immediately clearing the infant's airway is one of the first steps in stabilizing the newborn after birth. This ensures the infant can breathe freely, reducing the risk of aspiration or airway obstruction. Suctioning the mouth and nose with a bulb syringe or suction catheter is the usual practice, especially if there are visible fluids or secretions. This intervention is critical for ensuring the infant's respiratory function.

B) Immediately assess and bathe baby:
While assessing the newborn is vital, it is not the immediate priority. The first step in stabilization is ensuring the newborn’s airway is clear, followed by efforts to prevent heat loss. Bathing should be delayed until after the baby is stable, and drying the baby thoroughly should be done as the first action to prevent hypothermia.

C) Dry infant thoroughly:
Drying the newborn thoroughly after birth is essential for preventing heat loss. Wet skin can quickly lead to hypothermia, and drying helps maintain the infant's body temperature. This intervention is vital for stabilizing the newborn and ensuring thermoregulation in the first moments of life.

D) Place baby skin to skin:
Skin-to-skin contact is a fundamental practice immediately after birth. It promotes bonding, helps regulate the infant's temperature, supports successful breastfeeding initiation, and stabilizes vital signs like heart rate and blood sugar levels. The mother’s body heat helps the baby maintain a normal temperature, which is especially important right after birth.

E) Give erythromycin ointment in baby’s eyes:
While applying erythromycin ointment to the baby’s eyes is a standard practice to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis (especially from gonorrhea or chlamydia), it is not a priority for immediate stabilization. This step is typically performed later, after the newborn is stable, and thermoregulation is addressed. The primary focus should be on airway clearance, drying, and promoting skin-to-skin contact first.

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A new mother asks the nurse about the white substance" covering her infant. The nurse explains that the purpose of vernix caseosa is to:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

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