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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
"Baby powder will help prevent a diaper rash.”.
Choice A rationale:
"I will use mild soap”. indicates an appropriate understanding of newborn bathing. Mild soap is suitable for newborn skin to avoid irritation.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Baby powder is not recommended for newborns as it can cause respiratory issues when inhaled and may lead to skin irritation. Therefore, the client needs further teaching about the use of baby powder.
Choice C rationale:
"I will test the water on my wrist for temperature before bathing”. demonstrates proper safety measures, ensuring the water is not too hot for the baby.
Choice D rationale:
"I will use a basin during bathing”. is a reasonable approach to bathing the newborn and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not report the client's Hemoglobin level first to the primary health care because it falls within the normal range of 14 to 24 g/dL for a newborn. Therefore, it is not an immediate concern.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should first report the client's Chest x-ray results to the primary health care. The diffuse pattern of radiopaque areas bilaterally on the chest x-ray suggests possible respiratory distress or other respiratory issues in the newborn. This finding requires immediate attention and intervention to ensure proper respiratory function.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should not report the client's Glucose level first to the primary health care as 40 mg/dL is within the normal range of 30 to 60 mg/dL for a newborn. Though it is on the lower side, it is not critically low, and there are more urgent concerns to address.
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