A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered a newborn. Following the delivery, which nursing action should be done first to care for the newborn?
Stimulate the infant to cry.
Clear the respiratory tract.
Dry the infant off and cover the head.
Cut the umbilical cord.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Stimulating the infant to cry is an important action as it helps ensure that the baby's lungs are clear of fluid and are functioning properly. However, this is not the first action to take. The initial cry will often occur naturally as part of the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life.
Choice B reason:
Clearing the respiratory tract is the priority action. Immediately after birth, it is crucial to ensure that the newborn's airway is clear to facilitate breathing. The nurse may suction the mouth and nose to remove any amniotic fluid, mucus, or other obstructions that could impede breathing.
Choice C reason:
Drying the infant off and covering the head is important to prevent heat loss, which newborns are particularly susceptible to due to their large surface area relative to body mass. However, this follows the clearance of the airway, as maintaining an open airway is the most critical initial step in newborn care.
Choice D reason:
Cutting the umbilical cord is a necessary step in the delivery process, but it is not the first action to take when caring for the newborn. The timing of cord clamping can vary, and immediate care focuses on ensuring the newborn's ability to breathe effectively.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a reason:
A fundus that is palpable to the right of the midline can indicate a distended bladder. After childbirth, the bladder can become distended due to decreased sensitivity, which may be caused by trauma during delivery or the effects of anesthesia. A distended bladder can push the uterus to the side and prevent it from contracting properly, leading to increased bleeding. It's important for the nurse to encourage the client to void to relieve bladder distension and allow the uterus to contract effectively.
Choice b reason:
Less than 2.5 cm of rubra lochia on the perineal pad does not necessarily indicate bladder distension. Lochia rubra is the normal discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus after childbirth, and its amount can vary widely among individuals. While heavy lochia can be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, it is not directly related to bladder distension.
Choice c reason:
Increased thirst in a postpartum client is not a direct indicator of bladder distension. Thirst can be influenced by various factors, including dehydration from labor, breastfeeding, or hormonal changes. While it's important for a postpartum client to stay hydrated, increased thirst alone does not suggest a distended bladder.
Choice d reason:
Frequent uterine contractions reported by the client are not a sign of bladder distension. These contractions, known as afterpains, are normal and occur as the uterus contracts to return to its pre-pregnancy size. While uncomfortable, they are a sign of the uterus working to expel blood and tissue and do not indicate bladder issues.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Methylergonovine is a medication used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, which is excessive bleeding following childbirth. It works by causing the uterine muscles to contract, thereby reducing blood loss. Postpartum hemorrhage is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and methylergonovine is one of the medications used as a prophylactic measure to manage this risk.
Choice b reason:
While postpartum infections are a concern after childbirth, methylergonovine is not used to prevent infections. Postpartum infections can occur in different parts of the body, such as the uterus (endometritis), the urinary tract, or the site of an episiotomy or cesarean section incision. Prevention of postpartum infections typically involves hygiene practices, antibiotic prophylaxis when indicated, and monitoring for signs of infection.
Choice c reason:
Thromboembolic events, which include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, are also a risk during the postpartum period. However, methylergonovine is not used to prevent these conditions. Prevention of thromboembolic events in the postpartum period may involve the use of anticoagulants, mechanical methods such as compression stockings, and early mobilization.
Choice d reason:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, may be observed during the postpartum period, but methylergonovine is not indicated for the prevention of hypertension. Management of postpartum hypertension typically includes antihypertensive medications and monitoring of blood pressure levels. Methylergonovine can actually cause an increase in blood pressure as a side effect, so it must be used cautiously in individuals with hypertension.
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