A nurse is preparing to clamp and cut a newborn’s umbilical cord with sterile instruments.
When should the nurse perform this procedure?
Within 1 to 3 minutes after birth
Within 5 to 10 minutes after birth
Within 15 to 20 minutes after birth
Within 30 to 45 minutes after birth
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. The nurse should clamp and cut the newborn’s umbilical cord within 1 to 3 minutes after birth. This is because delaying the cord clamping for longer than 3 minutes may increase the risk of jaundice in the baby.
Jaundice is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Bilirubin is a waste product that is normally removed by the liver, but in newborns, the liver may not be fully developed yet.
Choice B is wrong because waiting for 5 to 10 minutes after birth to clamp and cut the cord may not have any significant benefits for the baby compared to clamping within 1 to 3 minutes. Choice C is wrong because waiting for 15 to 20 seconds after birth to clamp and cut the cord is too early and may deprive the baby of some blood, oxygen, and nutrients that are still flowing from the placenta. Choice D is wrong because waiting for 30 to 45 minutes after birth to clamp and cut the cord is too late and may expose the baby to infection or bleeding from the cord.
The umbilical cord is a vital connection between the baby and the placenta during pregnancy and delivery.
It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products from the baby’s blood.
After birth, the cord continues to function for a few minutes until it stops pulsing. The optimal time to clamp and cut the cord depends on various factors, such as the baby’s gestational age, health condition, and risk of jaundice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Three.The normal number of vessels in the umbilical cord is three: one umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries.The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus, while the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta.
Choice A is wrong because one vessel in the umbilical cord is not enough to support the fetal circulation.Choice B is wrong because two vessels in the umbilical cord is a condition called two-vessel cord or single umbilical artery, which can be associated with some birth defects or growth problems.Choice D is wrong because four vessels in the umbilical cord is not a normal variation and can cause complications such as cord prolapse or knotting.The normal range of the umbilical cord length is 50-60 cm and the diameter is 1-2 cm.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Recheck the temperature in 15 minutes.The normal temperature range for newborn babies is between 96.8°F and 100.3°F, with the average being 98.6°F.A rectal reading is the most accurate way to take a baby’s temperature.A fever is considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F or higher.If a baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, it requires urgent care and a pediatrician should be called immediately.
However, if the baby’s temperature is slightly below the normal range, it may not be a cause for concern.It could be due to being wrapped up tightly in a blanket, in a very warm room, very active, cuddling a hot water bottle, wearing a lot of clothes or having a bath.Therefore, the nurse should recheck the temperature in 15 minutes after allowing the baby to cool down for a few minutes.
Choice B is wrong because notifying the health care provider immediately is not necessary unless the baby has a fever of 100.4°F or higher or other signs of illness.
Choice C is wrong because placing the newborn under a radiant warmer is not appropriate unless the baby has hypothermia
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