A nurse is preparing to administer an exchange transfusion to a newborn who has severe hyperbilirubinemia due to Rh incompatibility.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain informed consent from the parent.
Check the newborn’s blood type and crossmatch.
Insert two umbilical catheters for blood withdrawal and infusion.
Monitor the newborn’s vital signs and oxygen saturation.
The Correct Answer is A
Exchange transfusion (ET) is a procedure that involves removing the infant’s blood and replacing it with compatible donor blood to reduce the level of bilirubin and/or antibody-coated red blood cells. It is a high-risk intervention that can cause serious complications such as vascular accidents, cardiovascular compromise, and electrolyte and hematologic derangement.
Therefore, it is essential to obtain informed consent from the parent before performing ET.
Choice B is wrong because checking the newborn’s blood type and crossmatch is not the first action the nurse should take.
Although it is important to ensure compatibility between the donor and recipient blood, it is not as urgent as obtaining informed consent.
Choice C is wrong because inserting two umbilical catheters for blood withdrawal and infusion is not the first action the nurse should take.
Although it is necessary to establish vascular access for ET, it is not as crucial as obtaining informed consent.
Choice D is wrong because monitoring the newborn’s vital signs and oxygen saturation is not the first action the nurse should take.
Although it is vital to assess the newborn’s condition before, during, and after ET, it is not as imperative as obtaining informed consent.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels vary depending on the gestational age and postnatal age of the newborn. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published nomograms for initiating phototherapy and ET based on these factors. According to the AAP, ET should be considered when the bilirubin level exceeds 25 mg/dL (428 μmol/L) in term infants or 20 mg/dL (342 μmol/L) in preterm infants with risk factors for neurotoxicity.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Dextrose 10% in water.This is because parenteral nutrition (PN) is a mixture of nutrients that is given through a central venous catheter (CVC) that goes directly to the heart.PN contains high concentrations of nutrition and calories, and if the PN bag is empty, it needs to be replaced with a solution that has a similar osmolarity to prevent complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).Dextrose 10% in water has an osmolarity of about 500 mOsm/L, which is close to the osmolarity of PN solutions.
Choice A is wrong because 0.9% sodium chloride has an osmolarity of about 300 mOsm/L, which is lower than PN solutions and can cause fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice B is wrong because lactated Ringer’s has an osmolarity of about 275 mOsm/L, which is also lower than PN solutions and can cause similar problems as 0.9% sodium chloride.
Choice D is wrong because dextrose 5% in water has an osmolarity of about 250 mOsm/L, which is much lower than PN solutions and can cause rapid drop in blood sugar and vein irritation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Encouraging frequent breastfeeding.
This is because breastfeeding provides glucose to the newborn baby, which can help prevent or treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia can cause problems such as shakiness, blue tint to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems.
Choice A is wrong because administering IV insulin would lower the blood sugar level even more, which could be dangerous for the baby.
Choice C is wrong because monitoring blood pressure is not directly related to hypoglycemia.
Blood pressure may be affected by other factors such as stress, infection, or dehydration.
Choice D is wrong because administering a hypertonic saline solution would increase the sodium level in the blood, which could cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
A hypertonic saline solution is not a source of glucose for the baby.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels in newborns are between 47 to 85 mg/dL.Hypoglycemia is defined as blood glucose below 47 mg/dL.
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