A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following delivery. After assuring a patent airway, which of the following actions should be the nurse's priority?
Dry the newborn.
Administer phytonadione IM.
Document the Apgar score.
Apply identification bands.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Drying the newborn's skin thoroughly is the nurse's priority after assuring a patent airway because it reduces evaporative heat loss by the newborn and prevents cold stress. Cold stress can lead to hypoxia, hypoglycemia, acidosis, and increased bilirubin levels. Drying the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which are signs of a healthy newborn.
Choice B reason:
Administering phytonadione IM is not the nurse's priority because it is not an immediate life-saving intervention. Phytonadione is given to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, which is caused by vitamin K deficiency. However, this condition usually occurs after the first day of life, so administering phytonadione can be delayed until after the initial assessment and stabilization of the newborn.
Choice C reason:
Documenting the Apgar score is not the nurse's priority because it is not an action that directly affects the newborn's well-being. The Apgar score is a tool to assess the newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. The Apgar score can help guide the nurse's interventions, but it is not more important than providing care to the newborn.
Choice D reason:
Applying identification bands is not the nurse's priority because it is not an urgent or essential action. Identification bands are used to ensure the safety and security of the newborn and prevent errors or mix-ups. However, applying identification bands can be done after the newborn is dried, warmed, and assessed for any problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E","H"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Blood pressure. The normal blood pressure range for a newborn is 60 to 80 mm Hg systolic and 40 to 50 mm Hg diastolic. The baby's blood pressure is low, which could indicate shock, dehydration, infection, or heart failure. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and treat the cause.
Choice B:
Gastrointestinal disturbances. Gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which is a withdrawal syndrome of infants after birth caused by in-utero exposure to drugs of dependence, most commonly opioids. These symptoms are not life-threatening and can be managed with supportive care such as hydration, nutrition, and comfort measures.
Choice C:
Skin color. Skin color is not a reliable indicator of NAS, as it can vary depending on the baby's ethnicity, temperature, oxygenation, and circulation. Skin color alone does not require immediate follow-up unless it is accompanied by other signs of distress such as cyanosis, pallor, or jaundice.
Choice D:
NAS score. NAS score is a tool used to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms in infants with NAS. It includes items such as tremors, irritability, sleep problems, muscle tone, reflexes, seizures, yawning, sneezing, feeding, vomiting, stooling and temperature. A high NAS score indicates that the baby needs more intensive treatment such as medication to ease the withdrawal process. A low NAS score indicates that the baby is coping well and may not need medication. The NAS score should be monitored frequently and adjusted according to the baby's response.
Choice E:
Temperature. The normal temperature range for a newborn is 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F). The baby's temperature is high, which could indicate infection, dehydration or hyperthermia. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and treat the cause.
Choice F:
Oxygen saturation. The normal oxygen saturation range for a newborn is 95 to 100%. The baby's oxygen saturation is within the normal range and does not require immediate follow- up unless it drops below 90% or rises above 100%, which could indicate hypoxia or hyperoxia respectively.
Choice G:
Central nervous system disturbances. Central nervous system disturbances such as seizures, tremors, irritability, and overactive reflexes are common symptoms of NAS. These symptoms are not life-threatening and can be managed with supportive care such as swaddling, rocking, dimming lights, and reducing noise.
Choice H:
Respiratory rate. The normal respiratory rate range for a newborn is 40 to 60 breaths per minute. The baby's respiratory rate is high, which could indicate respiratory distress, infection, pain, or anxiety. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and treat the cause.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Temperature is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it is abnormally high or low. The normal temperature range for a newborn is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).
Choice B:
Respiratory findings are not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless they indicate respiratory distress or infection. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30 to 60 breaths per minute.
Choice C:
Serum glucose is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is higher than the normal range for a newborn. The normal serum glucose level for a newborn is usually just under 2 mmol/L (or 25 mg/dL) at birth, and it will rise to over 3 mmol/L (or 60 to 100 mg/dL) within two to three days. A serum glucose level of 130 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which can have various causes and complications.
Choice D:
Hematocrit is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is lower than the normal range for a newborn. The normal hematocrit level for a newborn is 44% to 64%. A hematocrit level of 35% indicates anemia, which can have various causes and complications.
Choice E:
White blood cell count is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is within the normal range for a newborn. The normal white blood cell count for a newborn is 9,000 to 30,000/mm³.
Choice F:
Hemoglobin is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is lower than the normal range for a newborn. The normal hemoglobin level for a newborn is 14 to 24 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL indicates anemia, which can have various causes and complications.
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