A nurse is preparing to collect a specimen for newborn screening. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Use a lancet to puncture the inner aspect of the newborn's heel.
Leave the newborn's heel open to the air after the puncture.
Apply an antiseptic to the newborn's heel after collecting the specimen.
Warm the newborn's heel for 5 to 10 min before the puncture.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Correct - Newborn screening typically involves a heel stick using a lancet to collect a few drops of blood from the inner aspect of the newborn's heel.
B) Incorrect- Leaving the newborn's heel open to the air after the puncture is not necessary; a small bandage is typically applied.
C) Incorrect- An antiseptic is not typically applied after collecting the specimen, as it could interfere with the accuracy of the screening tests.
D) Incorrect- Warming the newborn's heel is not a standard step before collecting a specimen for newborn screening.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A,E,B,C,D
Explanation
Proper procedure for a heel stick includes:
A) Confirming the newborn's identity before any procedure. the nurse should confirm the newborn's identity by checking the identification band and asking the mother or caregiver to verify the name and date of birth.
E) The nurse should warm the newborn's heel by placing a warm compress or a heel warmer on the site for 3 to 5 minutes. This will increase blood flow and reduce pain.
B) Cleansing the site with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. the nurse should cleanse the site with an antiseptic, such as alcohol or chlorhexidine, and let it air dry. The nurse should avoid using iodine, as it can interfere with some laboratory tests.
C) The nurse should pierce the newborn's heel with a sterile lancet, making sure to avoid the central area of the heel, where there are more nerves and bones. The nurse should use a single-use device that retracts automatically after use to prevent needlestick injuries.
D) The nurse should apply gentle pressure to the site with dry gauze to facilitate blood flow and collect the specimen in the appropriate container. The nurse should avoid squeezing or milking the site, as this can cause hemolysis or tissue damage.
E) The nurse should label the specimen with the newborn's name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and type of test. The nurse should also document the procedure in the newborn's chart, noting any difficulties or complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- A reddened area on the calf might indicate a potential blood clot (deep vein thrombosis), which is important to assess but may not be the highest priority.
B) Incorrect- Painful uterine contractions during breastfeeding can be a normal response due to oxytocin release during breastfeeding and might not require immediate reporting.
C) Correct - A urinary output of 125 mL in 4 hours is significantly low and could indicate inadequate fluid intake, potential urinary retention, or other issues that need prompt attention. It is a sign of impaired renal function. This could indicate dehydration, blood loss, infection, or kidney injury. The nurse should assess the client's fluid intake and output, vital signs, urine specific gravity, and serum electrolyte levels. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of hypovolemia, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and decreased skin turgor.
D) Incorrect- Changing a perineal pad every 2 hours is within the normal range for postpartum bleeding and might not require immediate reporting.
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