A nurse is caring for a full-term newborn immediately following birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Instill erythromycin ophthalmic ointment in the newborn's eyes.
Weigh the newborn.
Place identification bracelets on the newborn.
Dry the newborn.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Instilling erythromycin ophthalmic ointment in the newborn's eyes is important to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, but drying the newborn takes precedence to prevent heat loss and stimulate breathing immediately after birth.
B. Weighing the newborn and placing identification bracelets can be done after drying the newborn.
C. Placing identification bracelets on the newborn is important for identification purposes but does not take precedence over drying the newborn to prevent heat loss and stimulate breathing.
D. Dry the newborn: Drying the newborn is the priority immediately after birth to prevent heat
loss and stimulate breathing. The newborn is wet from amniotic fluid and may be cold due to the temperature difference between the intrauterine and extrauterine environment. Drying the newborn with a warm, soft towel helps to prevent hypothermia and promotes the initiation of breathing, which is essential for oxygenation and lung expansion. This action supports the
newborn's transition to extrauterine life and sets the stage for subsequent assessments and interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Initiating IV access is a priority to establish a route for medication administration and fluid resuscitation, which are crucial in the management of acute pancreatitis.
B. Administering pain medication is important, but establishing IV access should be prioritized to ensure timely delivery of medications and fluids.
C. Sending the client to radiology for a CT scan may be necessary but should not take precedence over establishing IV access for immediate intervention.
D. Inserting an NG tube may be indicated later in the client's care but is not the first priority compared to establishing IV access.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Inserting an indwelling catheter is within the scope of practice for an LPN and requires technical skill and training that an LPN possesses. This task is appropriate for delegation because it does not require the RN's direct clinical judgment or assessment at the time of insertion. The LPN can perform this procedure based on a specific directive from the RN.
B. Obtaining the abdominal girth is a task that involves assessment and this cannot be delegated by the RN to an LPN.
C. Assessing and documenting the level of consciousness involves critical thinking and
interpretation of assessment findings, making it more appropriate for the registered nurse to perform.
D. Measuring gastric drainage is a task that the LPN can perform, but it is less critical compared to the insertion of an indwelling catheter in this scenario. The RN should prioritize delegating tasks to the LPN that require their specific skills, such as catheter insertion, while reserving simpler tasks for the AP.
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