A new mother is changing the diaper of her 12-hour-old newborn and asks why the stool is black and sticky. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

"This is meconium stool and is normal for a newborn."

"You probably took iron during your pregnancy and that is what causes this type of stool."

“ This is unusual, and I need to report this to your pediatrician."

I'll take a sample and check it for possible bleeding"

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "This is meconium stool and is normal for a newborn." is the correct and most appropriate response. Meconium is the newborn’s first stool, typically passed within the first 24 to 48 hours of life. It is black, tarry, and sticky in appearance and consists of materials the baby ingested while in the womb, such as amniotic fluid, mucus, and cells. It is completely normal and expected.

B. "You probably took iron during your pregnancy and that is what causes this type of stool." is incorrect. While iron supplements can darken adult stools, meconium is unrelated to maternal iron intake and is a normal physiological occurrence in all newborns.

C. “This is unusual, and I need to report this to your pediatrician." is incorrect and would be alarming to the parent unnecessarily. This is a normal finding, not something requiring physician notification.

D. "I'll take a sample and check it for possible bleeding" is also inappropriate unless there are other signs of concern (e.g., blood in stool later on). Meconium is not indicative of bleeding and does not warrant testing under normal circumstances.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Elevated liver enzymes is a key indicator of HELLP syndrome, which stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. HELLP syndrome is a severe form of preeclampsia and can lead to liver damage. Elevated liver enzymes, such as AST and ALT, are a hallmark of this condition, indicating liver dysfunction.

B. Elevated platelet count would be the opposite of what is expected in HELLP syndrome. In HELLP syndrome, there is typically low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), not an elevated one.

C. Leukocytosis refers to an increased white blood cell count, which can be indicative of an infection or inflammation, but it is not a hallmark of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome primarily involves hemolysis, liver enzyme elevation, and low platelets.

D. Hyperglycemia is not a characteristic finding of HELLP syndrome. While it can occur in some pregnancy-related conditions, it is not specifically associated with HELLP syndrome. This condition is more associated with elevated liver enzymes and low platelets.

A. fluid replacement B. birth of the fetus C. oxygenation D. control of hypertension

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Fluid replacement is important for maintaining maternal and fetal circulation, but it is not the priority immediately following a seizure. Oxygenation and stabilizing the mother’s condition are more critical in the acute phase.

B. Birth of the fetus may become necessary if the mother’s condition worsens, but the immediate priority is stabilizing the mother and ensuring proper oxygenation to prevent further complications for both the mother and fetus.

C. Oxygenation is the priority intervention after a seizure in eclampsia. Seizures can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels, and ensuring adequate oxygenation is crucial for both the mother and fetus. The nurse should administer oxygen to support breathing and prevent hypoxia.

D. Control of hypertension is essential in managing eclampsia, but the immediate focus should be on stabilizing the mother post-seizure, which includes ensuring adequate oxygenation first. Once stabilized, antihypertensive medications can be administered as necessary.

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A new mother is changing the diaper of her 12-hour-old newborn and asks why the stool is black and sticky. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a pregnant client. Which finding would alert the nurse to the development of HELLP syndrome?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A woman with gestational hypertension develops eclampsia and experiences a seizure. Which intervention would the nurse identify as the priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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