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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement is a useful screening tool for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, but it has some limitations and sources of variability.Therefore, any bilirubin screening result obtained must be confirmed by a diagnostic method before treatment.
Choice A is wrong because initiating phototherapy without confirming the bilirubin level could expose the newborn to unnecessary treatment and potential adverse effects.
Choice C is wrong because increasing hydration by feeding more frequently may not be sufficient to lower the bilirubin level if it is too high or if there are other causes of jaundice.
Choice D is wrong because reassuring the parent that this is a normal finding could delay the diagnosis and treatment of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, which can lead to serious complications such as kernicterus spectrum disorders.
Normal ranges for transcutaneous bilirubin measurement vary depending on the device used, the skin pigmentation, and the postnatal age of the newborn.However, a general guideline is that a measurement of 16 mg/dL at 48 hours of age is above the 95th percentile and warrants further investigation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The baby is at risk for hemolytic jaundice if the mother has a different blood type that is incompatible with the baby’s blood type.This can cause the mother’s immune system to produce antibodies that attack the baby’s red blood cells, leading to hemolysis or excessive destruction of red blood cells.Hemolysis can cause bilirubin, a yellowish pigment, to accumulate in the baby’s blood, tissues, and fluids, causing jaundice.It can also cause anemia, a condition where the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
Choice A is wrong because O positive is compatible with B negative.
O positive is the universal donor, meaning it can donate blood to any other blood type without causing a reaction.
Choice B is wrong because AB negative is compatible with B negative.
AB negative is the universal recipient, meaning it can receive blood from any other blood type without causing a reaction.
Choice D is wrong because A negative is incompatible with B negative.
A negative and B negative are different blood types that can cause a reaction if mixed together.
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