A nurse is admitting a term newborn following a cesarean birth. The nurse observes that the newborn's skin is slightly yellow right after birth. This finding indicates the newborn is experiencing a complication related to which of the following?
Physiological jaundice
Maternal cocaine abuse
Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility
Absence of vitamin K
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Physiological jaundice is not the correct answer, as it is a normal and benign condition that occurs in about 60% of term newborns, and usually appears after the first 24 hours of life. Physiological jaundice is caused by the breakdown of fetal hemoglobin and the immature liver function, and resolves within a few days.
Choice B reason: Maternal cocaine abuse is not the correct answer, as it is a maternal risk factor that can cause various complications in the newborn, such as low birth weight, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, or congenital anomalies. Maternal cocaine abuse does not cause jaundice in the newborn, unless it leads to hepatic or renal dysfunction.
Choice C reason: Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility is the correct answer, as it is a maternal-fetal condition that can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn, which is a severe form of jaundice that can appear within the first 24 hours of life. Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility occurs when the mother's blood type is Rh negative and the newborn's blood type is Rh positive, or when the mother's blood type is O and the newborn's blood type is A or B. The maternal antibodies cross the placenta and attack the newborn's red blood cells, causing hemolysis, anemia, and hyperbilirubinemia.
Choice D reason: Absence of vitamin K is not the correct answer, as it is a nutritional deficiency that can cause hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, which is a bleeding disorder that can occur within the first week of life. Absence of vitamin K is due to the lack of intestinal flora and the low vitamin K content in breast milk, and can cause bleeding in the skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs. Absence of vitamin K does not cause jaundice in the newborn, unless it leads to hepatic or biliary dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as these are the common complications of post-term infants, who are born after 42 weeks of gestation. Meconium aspiration can occur when the fetus passes meconium in utero and inhales it into the lungs, causing respiratory distress, inflammation, and infection. Hypoglycemia can occur due to the depletion of glycogen stores and the increased metabolic demands. Dry, cracked skin can occur due to the loss of vernix caseosa and the reduced amniotic fluid.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the signs of neonatal hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Neonatal hypocalcemia can occur due to maternal diabetes, prematurity, or asphyxia, and can cause jitteriness, seizures, or tetany.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the characteristics of preterm infants, who are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Excessive vernix caseosa covering the skin is a protective coating that prevents heat and water loss. Lethargy and RDS are signs of immaturity and underdevelopment of the central nervous system and the lungs.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as these are the features of infants with erythroblastosis fetalis, which is a hemolytic disease caused by the incompatibility of the Rh factor or the ABO blood group between the mother and the fetus. Golden yellow to green-stained skin and nails are due to the accumulation of bilirubin, which is a breakdown product of red blood cells. Absence of scalp hair and an increased amount of subcutaneous fat are due to the chronic hypoxia and edema.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The mother applying lotion to the newborn's skin requires intervention by the nurse, because it can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy and increase the risk of thermal injury. The nurse should instruct the mother to avoid using any lotions, creams, or oils on the newborn's skin during phototherapy.
Choice B reason: The newborn's stools increasing in number does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a normal and expected outcome of phototherapy. Phototherapy can increase the breakdown and excretion of bilirubin, which can result in more frequent and loose stools.
Choice C reason: A pink rash appearing on the newborn's trunk does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a common and harmless side effect of phototherapy. The rash usually disappears within a few days after phototherapy is discontinued.
Choice D reason: The newborn's eyes being covered with a mask does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a standard and essential precaution for phototherapy. The mask protects the newborn's eyes from the harmful effects of the light, such as corneal damage or retinal injury.
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