A nurse is caring for a newborn who has neonatal abstinence syndrome. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Swaddle the newborn with his legs extended.
Schedule larger volume feedings at less frequent intervals.
Maintain eye contact with the newborn during feedings.
Plan care to minimize handling of the newborn.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Swaddling the newborn with his legs extended is not the appropriate action for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS occurs when a baby is born dependent on drugs, usually because the mother used opioids during pregnancy. Swaddling may provide some comfort, but extending the legs could increase discomfort and agitation.
Choice B rationale:
Scheduling larger volume feedings at less frequent intervals is not the correct approach for a newborn with NAS. These infants often have feeding difficulties and may require smaller, more frequent feedings to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale:
Maintaining eye contact with the newborn during feedings may not be well-tolerated by a baby with NAS. They can be irritable and easily overstimulated, and eye contact during feeding may exacerbate their agitation.
Choice D rationale:
Planning care to minimize handling of the newborn is the most appropriate action for a baby with NAS. These infants are sensitive to stimuli and can become agitated easily, so minimizing unnecessary handling helps reduce their distress.
The correct answer is D. Plan care to minimize handling of the newborn.
Here's why:
- Swaddling with legs extended: This is not recommended as it can be uncomfortable for the newborn and may exacerbate withdrawal symptoms.
- Larger volume feedings at less frequent intervals: This can be difficult for newborns with NAS due to their increased metabolic rate and may lead to overfeeding.
- Maintaining eye contact during feedings: While this is important for bonding, it can be overwhelming for newborns with NAS, who often prefer a calm environment.
Minimizing handling is a key intervention in caring for newborns with NAS. Excessive handling can trigger withdrawal symptoms and make the newborn more irritable. Instead, focus on gentle, soothing techniques like swaddling with arms tucked in, rocking, and providing a quiet, dimly lit environment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choiceB. Decreased ability to bear down.
Choice A rationale:
Fetal bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of a pudendal nerve block.This block primarily affects the mother’s pelvic region and does not typically impact fetal heart rate.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased ability to bear down is correct because the pudendal nerve block can numb the perineal area, reducing the mother’s ability to feel contractions and effectively bear down during labor.
Choice C rationale:
Maternal hypertension is not associated with pudendal nerve blocks.This block is localized and does not generally affect systemic blood pressure.
Choice D rationale:
Uterine hyperstimulation is not a known adverse effect of pudendal nerve blocks.This condition is more commonly associated with the use of labor-inducing drugs like oxytocin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A postpartum temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F) is within the normal range. Mild temperature elevations can be expected in the immediate postpartum period without indicating infection.
Choice B rationale:
Uterine tenderness is a common finding in endometritis, which is an inflammation or infection of the inner lining of the uterus. The condition can cause pelvic pain and uterine tenderness.
Choice C rationale:
A white blood cell (WBC) count of 9,000/mm³ falls within the normal range for a postpartum client. In endometritis, an elevated WBC count would be expected due to the infection.
Choice D rationale:
Scant lochia (minimal vaginal discharge after childbirth) is a normal finding in the postpartum period and is not associated with endometritis. In endometritis, the lochia may be increased and foul-smelling.
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