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A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately after birth. Once a patent airway has been ensured, what should be the nurse’s priority action?

A.

Administer Vitamin K

B.

Administer eye prophylaxis

C.

Place an identification bracelet

D.

Dry the skin

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale

Administering Vitamin K is an important step in newborn care as it helps with blood clotting and prevents a rare but serious bleeding disorder called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding.

However, it is not the immediate priority after ensuring a patent airway.

Choice B rationale

Administering eye prophylaxis, typically in the form of antibiotic ointment, is a standard procedure in newborn care to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis. However, this is not the immediate priority after ensuring a patent airway.

Choice C rationale

Placing an identification bracelet on the newborn is crucial for ensuring the baby’s safety and preventing mix-ups. However, this is not the immediate priority after ensuring a patent airway.

Choice D rationale

Drying the skin of the newborn is the priority action after ensuring a patent airway. This is because newborns are wet with amniotic fluid at birth, and they can lose heat quickly through evaporation if not dried immediately. This can lead to hypothermia, which can be dangerous for the newborn.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. While NAS can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.

Choice B rationale

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition where the “ball and socket” joint of the hip does not properly form in babies and young children. While DDH can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.

Choice C rationale

Subgaleal hemorrhage is a rare but potentially lethal condition in newborns, usually resulting from vacuum-assisted delivery. While it can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.

Choice D rationale

Congenital cardiac defects are the most common type of birth defect. They can alter the way blood flows through the heart and pose a significant risk to a newborn.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common condition in newborns, especially those born to mothers with diabetes, those who are small for their gestational age, or those who have been stressed during birth. It’s important to monitor the newborn’s serum glucose level and report any abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

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