A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth.
The newborn has meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Determine if the newborn's mouth and nose require bulb suctioning.
Initiate skin-to-skin contact between parent and newborn.
Place the newborn under a radiant warmer.
Provide tactile stimulation for the newborn.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Suctioning the mouth and nose ensures that the airway is clear of any meconium-stained fluid, which can cause respiratory issues in the newborn if inhaled.
Choice B rationale
While skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for bonding and temperature regulation, ensuring the airway is clear is a higher immediate priority.
Choice C rationale
Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer helps maintain body temperature but is secondary to ensuring the airway is clear of meconium-stained fluid.
Choice D rationale
Tactile stimulation is important for encouraging breathing, but first ensuring the airway is clear takes precedence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Giving glucose water after feedings is not recommended for newborns undergoing phototherapy. Breastfeeding or formula feeding should be continued to provide adequate nutrition and hydration.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the client to avoid breastfeeding during treatment is not necessary. Breastfeeding should continue to promote bonding, provide nutrition, and help with the infant's hydration and bilirubin excretion.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring intake and output is crucial for a newborn receiving phototherapy to ensure proper hydration and assess the effectiveness of the treatment in lowering bilirubin levels.
Choice D rationale
Applying lotions and ointments throughout the treatment is not recommended, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy. The skin should be clean and dry to maximize exposure to the phototherapy light.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A
Choice A rationale: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 25 mg/dL exceeds the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL and may indicate impaired renal function or dehydration. In pregnancy, elevated BUN is concerning because renal perfusion is typically increased, leading to lower BUN levels. A rise suggests possible renal compromise, which can affect fetal development and maternal health. It warrants provider notification to assess for underlying pathology such as preeclampsia or renal insufficiency.
Choice B rationale: Hemoglobin level of 10.2 mg/dL is slightly below the normal pregnancy range of 11 to 16 mg/dL, indicating mild anemia. However, in the context of pregnancy, especially with a known history of anemia, this value is not critically low. Iron supplementation and dietary adjustments are typically sufficient. It does not represent an acute complication unless accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, pallor, or tachycardia. Therefore, it does not require immediate provider notification.
Choice C rationale: Fasting blood glucose of 70 mg/dL is at the lower end of the normal range for pregnancy, which spans from 70 to 110 mg/dL. This value is physiologically acceptable and does not indicate hypoglycemia or gestational diabetes. During pregnancy, insulin sensitivity fluctuates, but a fasting glucose of 70 mg/dL is not pathologic. No intervention is needed unless symptomatic hypoglycemia occurs. Thus, this result is not indicative of a prenatal complication.
Choice D rationale: Hematocrit level of 32% is slightly below the normal pregnancy range of 33 to 47%, reflecting mild dilutional anemia due to plasma volume expansion. This is a common physiological adaptation in pregnancy and not necessarily pathologic. Unless accompanied by symptoms or a significant drop in hemoglobin, this value alone does not indicate a prenatal complication. Monitoring and nutritional support are appropriate, but urgent provider notification is not required.
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