A nurse is assessing a neonate who was exposed to heroin in utero. Which of me following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the neonate is experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome?
Hyporeflexia
Frequent yawning
Respiratory depression
Constipation
The Correct Answer is A
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of withdrawal symptoms that occur in newborns who were exposed to drugs, including heroin, in utero. Hyporeflexia, which refers to reduced or diminished reflexes, is one of the key findings in neonates experiencing NAS.
During pregnancy, when the mother uses opioids like heroin, the baby becomes dependent on the drug. After birth, when the drug is no longer available, the baby experiences withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to the absence of the drug. Hyporeflexia is a common manifestation of NAS and is observed due to the central nervous system's response to the withdrawal.
Let's go through the other options:
B. Frequent yawning: While yawning can be seen in neonates with NAS, it is not as specific to the condition as hyporeflexia. Yawning can occur for various reasons and may not always be indicative of NAS.
C. Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression can be a severe complication of opioid exposure in utero and can result in life-threatening situations for the neonate. However, it is not specific to NAS. Respiratory depression is more closely associated with opioid overdose in the newborn, which can be a separate concern from NAS.
D. Constipation: Constipation is a possible symptom in neonates experiencing NAS, but it is not as specific as hyporeflexia. Constipation can occur due to various factors and is not unique to NAS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When planning care for a client who had a myocardial infarction and is receiving thrombolytic therapy with an IV infusion of alteplase, the nurse should include the intervention of monitoring for changes in the client's level of consciousness.
Alteplase is a thrombolytic medication used to break down blood clots in certain medical emergencies, such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or ischemic stroke. One of the potential complications of thrombolytic therapy, including alteplase, is bleeding. The medication's action of breaking down blood clots can also affect the body's natural clotting mechanisms, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Bleeding in the brain is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication associated with thrombolytic therapy. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the client for any signs of intracranial bleeding, such as changes in the level of consciousness, confusion, severe headache, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body.
Let's go through the other options:
A. Administer aspirin instead of acetaminophen for fever: While aspirin is commonly used in the management of myocardial infarction, it is not specifically indicated for fever. Acetaminophen is the preferred antipyretic medication for fever management in most cases, and it does not interfere with the action of thrombolytic therapy.
B. Ambulate the client as often as tolerated: While early ambulation is beneficial for clients with myocardial infarction, it may not be appropriate during thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytic therapy carries an increased risk of bleeding, and ambulation may be limited or contraindicated during the treatment period, depending on the client's overall condition and bleeding risk.
C. Administer a sodium phosphate enema for constipation: The administration of a sodium phosphate enema is not a specific intervention related to thrombolytic therapy or myocardial infarction. Bowel management is important for client comfort and overall well-being, but it is not a priority intervention in the immediate care of a client undergoing thrombolytic therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to treat urinary incontinence. One of the adverse effects of anticholinergic medications is the potential for bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate. Anticholinergic medications can inhibit the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate. Therefore, it is important to assess the client for signs of bradycardia after an unintended higher dose of oxybutynin.
Increased salivation (A) is not an expected adverse effect of oxybutynin. In fact, anticholinergic medications like oxybutynin often have the opposite effect, causing dry mouth and reduced salivation.
Hyperthermia (B) is not a typical adverse effect of oxybutynin. It is more commonly associated with other conditions or medications.
Urinary incontinence (C) is the condition that oxybutynin is intended to treat. It is not an adverse effect but rather the therapeutic effect of the medication.
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