A newborn is delivered by cesarean section to a mother who is HIV-positive.

The mother received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy.

Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale

Blow-by oxygen delivery can provide some additional oxygen to the apneic newborn, but it may not be effective in stimulating breathing or providing adequate ventilation. It is a less direct method of addressing apnea compared to positive pressure ventilation.

Choice B rationale

Starting an IV infusion in a scalp vein is important for medication administration or fluid resuscitation but is not the immediate priority for a newborn who is apneic and has a heart rate of 100 beats per minute. Establishing adequate ventilation takes precedence to ensure oxygenation and stabilize the newborn.

Choice C rationale

Assisting the neonatologist with intubation may be necessary if positive pressure ventilation is unsuccessful or if there are signs of severe respiratory distress. However, the immediate next step for an apneic newborn with a heart rate of 100 beats per minute should be to provide positive pressure ventilation to stimulate breathing.

Choice D rationale

Providing positive pressure ventilation is the recommended immediate action for a newborn who remains apneic and has a heart rate of less than 100 beats per minute. This intervention helps to inflate the lungs, establish effective breathing, and improve oxygenation, which is critical for the newborn's survival.

Choice A rationale

Telling the child that you're glad the mother explained the procedure doesn't provide the child with an opportunity to express their understanding or concerns. It is important to engage the child directly to understand what they know and how they feel about the operation, rather than relying solely on what the parent has communicated.

Choice B rationale

Asking the child to explain what an operation is allows the nurse to gauge the child's understanding and provides an opportunity to correct any misconceptions. This approach also encourages open communication and helps the child feel more involved and informed about their own care, which can reduce anxiety.

Choice C rationale

Reassuring the child that the hospital staff will take very good care of them is comforting, but it doesn't address the child's need for information and understanding about the operation. While it's important to provide reassurance, the primary focus should be on ensuring the child comprehends what will happen.

Choice D rationale

Directly asking the child if they are scared might lead to a yes or no answer, and doesn't necessarily encourage them to share their specific fears or concerns. It is more effective to ask open-ended questions that allow the child to express their feelings in more detail, which can then be addressed by the nurse.