A NICU nurse is completing an assessment on a premature infant male born at 29 weeks gestation. It is noted that the male infant has no palpable testes in the scrotum. The nurse should:
Document this expected finding.
Insert a urinary catheter to collect a urine specimen.
Initiate a social work consult.
Call the provider for this unexpected finding.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
In premature infants, it is common for the testes to not be palpable in the scrotum at birth. This condition, known as cryptorchidism, affects about 30% of preterm infants1. The testes usually descend into the scrotum by the time the infant reaches term or within the first few months of life. Therefore, the nurse should document this as an expected finding and continue to monitor the infant’s development.
Choice B reason:
Inserting a urinary catheter to collect a urine specimen is not necessary in this situation. The absence of palpable testes in a premature infant is a common finding and does not indicate a need for immediate urinary evaluation. Urinary catheterization should be reserved for specific medical indications, such as suspected urinary tract infection or urinary retention.
Choice C reason:
Initiating a social work consult is not relevant to the clinical finding of undescended testes in a premature infant. Social work consultations are typically initiated for psychosocial issues, family support, or discharge planning. The absence of palpable testes is a medical finding that should be documented and monitored by the healthcare team.
Choice D reason:
Calling the provider for this unexpected finding is not necessary because the absence of palpable testes in a premature infant is an expected finding. The nurse should document the finding and continue to monitor the infant’s development. If the testes do not descend by the time the infant reaches term or within the first few months of life, further evaluation and management may be needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. An excessive destruction of platelets.
Choice A: Diffuse fibrin deposition in the microvasculature
Diffuse fibrin deposition in the microvasculature is not characteristic of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This description is more aligned with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a condition where widespread clotting occurs within the blood vessels, leading to multiple organ damage.
Choice B: Deficiency in the production rate of globin chains
A deficiency in the production rate of globin chains is associated with thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin. This is not related to the pathology of immune thrombocytopenia.
Choice C: An excessive destruction of platelets
An excessive destruction of platelets is the hallmark of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In ITP, the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. This leads to a low platelet count and an increased risk of bleeding.
Choice D: Bone marrow failure in which all elements are suppressed
Bone marrow failure in which all elements are suppressed is characteristic of aplastic anemia, a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells. This is not related to immune thrombocytopenia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Extracellular hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels outside the cells. While hyperglycemia is a common feature of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), it is not the direct cause of the condition. DKA occurs when the body cannot use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin, leading to the breakdown of fat and protein for energy, which produces ketones and causes acidosis.
Choice B Reason:
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. In fact, DKA is characterized by high blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia is a separate condition that can occur in individuals with diabetes, particularly if they take too much insulin or skip meals.
Choice C Reason:
The use of fat and protein as an energy source is the primary mechanism behind diabetic ketoacidosis. When insulin is deficient, the body cannot utilize glucose for energy. As a result, it breaks down fat and protein to produce energy. This process generates ketones, which are acidic and lead to the development of ketoacidosis.
Choice D Reason:
Increased cellular metabolism of glucose is not related to diabetic ketoacidosis. In DKA, the problem is that cells cannot use glucose effectively due to a lack of insulin. Instead, the body resorts to breaking down fat and protein for energy, leading to the production of ketones and acidosis.
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