A nurse is planning to obtain a blood specimen from a newborn via a heel stick.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Cool the newborn's heel prior to the procedure.
Puncture the center of the newborn's heel.
Cleanse the puncture site with alcohol gauze prior to the procedure.
Administer vitamin K 30 minutes prior to each blood draw.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Cooling the newborn’s heel would constrict blood vessels and make it more difficult to obtain a blood sample. Warming the heel is the preferred method to increase blood flow.
Choice B rationale
Puncturing the center of the newborn’s heel is not recommended as it could cause more pain and potential injury to the bone. The puncture should be done on the outer edges of the heel.
Choice C rationale
Cleansing the puncture site with alcohol gauze is essential to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that the sample is not contaminated.
Choice D rationale
Administering vitamin K before each blood draw is unnecessary. Vitamin K is typically given as a one-time dose to prevent bleeding issues, not related to blood draw procedures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Methadone is often prescribed to pregnant women with opioid use disorder and is considered safe for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can provide additional benefits such as bonding and transferring antibodies to the infant.
Choice B rationale
Methamphetamine use during pregnancy is linked to fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and low birth weight, not fetal macrosomia (large body size).
Choice C rationale
Reducing environmental stimuli is essential for neonates exposed to substances in utero. Increased stimuli can overwhelm their underdeveloped nervous systems, leading to stress and adverse outcomes.
Choice D rationale
Fetal alcohol syndrome is characterized by growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, and central nervous system dysfunction. An increased head circumference is not a typical feature; rather, microcephaly (small head circumference) is more common.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking fetal heart tones is the priority to assess the well-being of the fetus, especially in breech presentation and after the membranes have ruptured.
Choice B rationale
Preparing for a cesarean birth is important but follows the assessment of fetal heart tones and other immediate measures.
Choice C rationale
Checking the color, amount, and odor of the fluid is important, but ensuring fetal heart tones comes first to monitor any distress.
Choice D rationale
Performing a Nitrazine test to assess for rupture of membranes is redundant once the client reports her water has broken.
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