A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pre-term newborn who was born at 32 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following values indicates a potential complication of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?
Hematocrit 45%
Platelets 150,000/mm3
White blood cell count 25,000/mm3
Blood glucose 80 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
White blood cell count 25,000/mm3.
This indicates a potential complication of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which is the death of intestinal tissue in premature or sick newborns. A high white blood cell count can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the bowel, which are common features of NEC.
Choice A is wrong because hematocrit 45% is within the normal range for newborns.
Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.
A low hematocrit can indicate blood loss or anemia, which can be complications of NEC, but a normal hematocrit does not rule out NEC.
Choice B is wrong because platelets 150,000/mm3 is also within the normal range for newborns.
Platelets are cells that help the blood clot. A low platelet count can indicate a consumption coagulopathy, which is a bleeding disorder that can occur in severe cases of NEC.
However, a normal platelet count does not exclude NEC.
Choice D is wrong because blood glucose 80 mg/dL is also within the normal range for newborns.
Blood glucose measures the amount of sugar in the blood.
A low blood glucose can indicate hypoglycemia, which can be caused by sepsis or other conditions that mimic NEC, but a normal blood glucose does not eliminate NEC.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
True labor contractions cause cervical dilation and effacement.
This means that the cervix opens up and thins out to prepare for the baby’s passage through the birth canal.
Cervical changes can be measured by a pelvic exam.
Choice A is wrong because true labor contractions are regular and do not subside with rest.False labor contractions are irregular and may stop when you change position or activity level.
Choice B is wrong because false labor contractions are usually felt in the front of the abdomen, not in the lower back.True labor contractions may start in the back and radiate to the abdomen.
Choice D is wrong because false labor contractions do not increase in intensity with ambulation.True labor contractions may become stronger and closer together when you walk.
Normal ranges for cervical dilation and effacement vary depending on the stage of labor, but generally, full dilation is 10 cm and full effacement is 100%.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Ultrasound.
An ultrasound can help determine the gestational age, fetal growth, placental location, and amniotic fluid volume of the fetus.
These factors can affect the risk of pre-term labor and delivery.
An ultrasound can also detect cervical changes that may indicate pre-term labor.
Choice B is wrong because a blood count is not specific for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for anemia, infection, or other conditions that may affect the pregnancy, but it does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
Choice C is wrong because a urine culture is not specific for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for urinary tract infection, which can cause pre-term labor, but it does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
Choice D is wrong because an amniocentesis is not usually done for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for fetal lung maturity, chromosomal abnormalities, or infections, but it is an invasive procedure that carries some risks and complications.
It does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
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