A nurse is assisting in the care of a newborn born 1 hr ago who was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation.

A newborn who is 38 weeks of gestation is admitted to the newborn nursery following an emergency cesarean birth with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Apgar scores of 5 at 1 min and 7 at 5 min. The newborn received surfactant via an endotracheal tube and is currently receiving 3 Umin of oxygen via nasal cannula. Blood gases reveal respiratory acidosis.

Which action should the nurse prioritize in this situation?

Report the client's weight by the client's provider.

Select diagnostic studies followed by the primary health care.

Check brachial pulses for the client's respiratory status.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the client's weight to the provider is not a priority in this situation. While weight is important, the immediate concern is the newborn's respiratory distress and the acidosis indicated by the blood gases.

Choice B rationale:

Selecting diagnostic studies for the primary health care is not the nurse's role. The primary health care provider will determine which diagnostic studies are needed based on the newborn's clinical presentation and assessment findings.

Choice C rationale:

Checking brachial pulses for the client's respiratory status is the appropriate action. In a newborn with respiratory distress, assessing peripheral perfusion, including brachial pulses, is crucial to monitor the circulation and oxygenation of tissues.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse should first report the client's respiratory status to the primary health care.

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the client's laboratory results to the primary health care is important, but in a newborn with respiratory distress and acidosis, addressing the respiratory status takes precedence. The priority is to ensure the newborn's respiratory stability and adequate oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

Reporting the client's respiratory status to the primary health care is the correct action. A newborn with respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory acidosis requires immediate attention. The primary health care provider needs to be informed promptly to make decisions about further interventions and management.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting the client's brachial pulses to the primary health care is essential, but it is not the priority in this situation. The primary concern is the newborn's respiratory distress and acidosis, which needs to be addressed first.

A. Dry the baby thoroughly. B. Suctioning the mouth and nose with a bulb syringe to clear mucus. C. Observe the chest and abdomen. D. Count the number of respirations per minute.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Drying the baby thoroughly is not directly related to assessing the successful transition of the respiratory system. It is essential for warmth and comfort but does not provide specific information about the respiratory system.

Choice B rationale:

Suctioning the mouth and nose with a bulb syringe to clear mucus is important to ensure the airways are clear and the newborn can breathe effectively. This action helps assess the airway patency and successful initiation of breathing.

Choice C rationale:

Observing the chest and abdomen is crucial to assess the respiratory effort and symmetry. Normal chest movements and equal rise and fall of the abdomen indicate a successful transition of the respiratory system.

Choice D rationale:

Counting the number of respirations per minute is essential to determine if the respiratory rate falls within the expected reference range (around 30-60 breaths per minute for a newborn) and if there are any irregularities.

Choice E rationale:

Observing the color of the mucous membranes is important as cyanosis (blue discoloration) may indicate inadequate oxygenation. Pink mucous membranes are a positive sign, indicating a successful transition of the respiratory system.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Exhibit 1. How can the nurse assess the successful transition of the respiratory system in the newborn? (Select All that Apply.).

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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