A nurse is caring for a client who had a post-term delivery and notes that the amniotic fluid was stained with meconium.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Suction the infant’s mouth and nose with a bulb syringe.
Assess the infant’s heart rate and respiratory effort.
Dry and stimulate the infant with a warm towel.
Clamp and cut the umbilical cord.
The Correct Answer is B
This is because the infant born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) may have meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), which is a condition that causes respiratory distress due to the inhalation of meconium into the lungs. The priority action for the nurse is to evaluate the infant’s breathing and circulation and initiate resuscitation if needed.
Choice A is wrong because suctioning the infant’s mouth and nose with a bulb syringe is not recommended unless the infant has obvious meconium in the airway and is not vigorous. Suctioning may cause bradycardia, hypoxia, or airway trauma.
Choice C is wrong because drying and stimulating the infant with a warm towel is part of the initial steps of resuscitation, but it should be done after assessing the infant’s heart rate and respiratory effort. Drying and stimulating may also increase the risk of meconium aspiration if the infant gasps.
Choice D is wrong because clamping and cutting the umbilical cord is not a priority action for an infant with possible MAS. The cord should be clamped and cut after ensuring that the infant is stable and has adequate oxygenation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
All of the above.
The nurse should take all of the following actions to prevent increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a preterm infant who has intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH):
• Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees.This helps to reduce venous congestion and improve cerebral blood flow.
• Avoid suctioning unless absolutely necessary.Suctioning can cause hypoxia, bradycardia, and increased ICP.
• Administer analgesics as prescribed.Pain can increase blood pressure and ICP.
Choice A is wrong because elevating the head of the bed alone is not enough to prevent increased ICP.
Choice B is wrong because avoiding suctioning alone is not enough to prevent increased ICP.
Choice C is wrong because administering analgesics alone is not enough to prevent increased ICP.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is a sign of dehydration, which can be caused by phototherapy.Phototherapy increases insensible water loss through the skin and can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance in the newborn.The nurse should monitor the newborn’s hydration status, weight, urine output, and serum electrolytes and provide adequate fluid intake.
Choice A is wrong because conjunctivitis is not a common complication of phototherapy.It can be prevented by using eye shields or patches to protect the newborn’s eyes from the light source.
Choice B is wrong because bronze skin discoloration is a rare complication of phototherapy that occurs when the bilirubin level is very high and the skin pigment changes.It is not a priority finding and usually resolves after phototherapy is discontinued.
Choice D is wrong because maculopapular skin rash is a benign side effect of phototherapy that does not require intervention.It usually disappears within a few days after phototherapy is stopped.
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