A nurse is caring for a newborn who was born prematurely.
Which finding should the nurse report as a potential complication of prematurity?
Decreased bilirubin levels
Increased fat stores
Hypoglycemia due to low glycogen stores
Presence of mature lung surfactant
The Correct Answer is C
Hypoglycemia due to low glycogen stores.
Premature newborns have low glycogen stores and are at risk of developing hypoglycemia, which can cause seizures, brain damage, or death.
The nurse should monitor the blood glucose levels of the newborn and report any signs of hypoglycemia, such as jitteriness, lethargy, poor feeding, or temperature instability.
Choice A is wrong because increased bilirubin levels, not decreased, are a potential complication of prematurity.
Bilirubin is a waste product of red blood cell breakdown that can accumulate in the blood and cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Premature newborns have immature livers that cannot process bilirubin effectively and may need phototherapy to reduce the levels.
Choice B is wrong because decreased fat stores, not increased, are a potential complication of prematurity.
Fat stores provide insulation and energy for the newborn and help maintain body temperature.
Premature newborns have less subcutaneous fat and are prone to heat loss and cold stress, which can affect their metabolism and oxygen consumption.
Choice D is wrong because absence of mature lung surfactant, not presence, is a potential complication of prematurity.
Surfactant is a substance that reduces the surface tension of the alveoli and prevents them from collapsing during expiration.
Premature newborns have insufficient surfactant production and may develop respiratory distress syndrome, which is characterized by tachypnea, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Bluish-white secretions.
This indicates a positive FFN test, which means that the fetal fibronectin protein has been released into the cervical secretions.Fetal fibronectin is a protein that helps keep the amniotic sac attached to the lining of the uterus.A positive FFN test means that there is a higher risk of preterm labor.
Choice A is wrong because yellow-green discharge could indicate an infection, not preterm labor.
Choice B is wrong because bloody show is a sign of cervical dilation, not preterm labor.
Choice C is wrong because sticky mucus plug is a normal part of pregnancy, not preterm labor.
A negative FFN test means that there is a less than 1% chance of preterm labor within the next 2 weeks.The FFN test is used to rule out preterm labor and avoid unnecessary treatments.It is approved for use in women with symptoms of preterm labor who are 24 to 35 weeks pregnant.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A positive fetal fibronectin test (FFN) indicates that the fetal membrane has been disrupted and labor may occur within the next 7 to 14 days.
This is a sign of preterm labor that should be reported immediately.
Choice A is wrong because elevated blood glucose level is not a sign of preterm labor, but a possible complication of gestational diabetes.
Choice B is wrong because thinning of the cervix (also called effacement) is a normal process that occurs during late pregnancy and labor.
It does not necessarily indicate preterm labor.
Choice D is wrong because abdominal tenderness is not a specific sign of preterm labor.
It could be caused by other factors such as constipation, gas, or stretching of the ligaments.
Some of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:
• Regular or frequent sensations of abdominal tightening (contractions) every 10 minutes or more often
• Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina)
• Feeling of pressure in the pelvis (hip) area
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like menstrual cramps
• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
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