A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth and notes a large amount of mucus in the newborn's mouth and nose. Identify the sequence the nurse should follow when performing suction with a bulb syringe.
(Arrange the steps, placing them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.)
Compress the bulb syringe.
Place the bulb syringe in the newborn's mouth.
Assess the newborn for reflex bradycardia.
Use the bulb syringe to suction the newborns nose.
The Correct Answer is A, B, D, C
- Compressing the bulb syringe before placing it in the newborn's mouth or nose creates a vacuum that allows the suctioning of the mucus¹².
- Placing the bulb syringe in the newborn's mouth first helps clear the oral airway and prevent aspiration of mucus into the lungs¹². The nozzle of the bulb syringe should be gently inserted into the corner of the mouth, not the center, to avoid stimulating the gag reflex¹².
- Using the bulb syringe to suction the newborns nose helps clear the nasal airway and improve breathing¹². The nozzle of the bulb syringe should be gently inserted into one nostril at a time, and not too far, to avoid injuring the nasal mucosa¹².
- Assessing the newborn for reflex bradycardia helps monitor for any adverse effects of suctioning, such as a decrease in heart rate due to vagal stimulation¹³. Reflex bradycardia can cause hypoxia and acidosis in newborns, and may require oxygen administration or resuscitation³. The normal heart rate for a newborn is 120 to 160 beats per minute³.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A client who has had two prior cesarean births is at an increased risk for uterine rupture during labor. Uterine rupture is a serious complication in which there is a complete or partial tear in the uterine wall, potentially leading to significant maternal and fetal morbidity or mortality.
The risk of uterine rupture increases with each prior cesarean birth due to the presence of a scar on the uterus. The scar tissue is weaker than the normal uterine tissue and can potentially rupture during contractions and labor. The risk of uterine rupture is particularly high if the client attempts a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Option a) Precipitous labor refers to an extremely fast labor that lasts less than three hours from the onset of contractions to birth. While clients with prior cesarean births may be at increased risk for certain complications, such as uterine rupture, it does not necessarily increase the risk of precipitous labor.
Option b) Abruptio placentae is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the birth of the baby. While it is a potential complication during pregnancy, it is not directly associated with prior cesarean births.
Option d) Failure to progress refers to a lack of cervical dilation or descent of the baby during labor. While prior cesarean births can increase the risk of certain labor complications, such as uterine rupture, they do not necessarily increase the risk of failure to progress.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When caring for a client with preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate, the nurse should instruct the client to report any increased muscle weakness. Magnesium sulfate is a medication commonly used to prevent and treat seizures in clients with preeclampsia. However, one of the side effects of magnesium sulfate is muscle weakness. If the client experiences an increase in muscle weakness, it could indicate magnesium toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention.
Option a) Increased respiratory rate is not typically associated with magnesium sulfate administration. However, respiratory depression is a potential side effect, so a decreased respiratory rate should be reported.
Option b) Increased fetal movement is generally considered a positive sign of fetal well-being and is not a concern that needs to be reported.
Option c) Increased urinary output is not typically a concerning finding. In fact, maintaining adequate urine output is desired in clients with preeclampsia to ensure proper kidney function. However, a sudden decrease in urinary output or signs of dehydration should be reported.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
