A postpartum nurse is conducting a newborn screening for a 36-hour old baby.
The parents inquire about the purpose of this test since the baby is not showing any signs of illness.
What would be the nurse’s best response?
“This is a blood test to determine blood type.”
“This is a diagnostic test that will confirm whether your baby has one of these diseases.”
“This is a routine test to detect who may be at risk for developing one of these diseases.”
“Since you are a carrier for a disease, we will find out if it has been passed down.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
This response is incorrect because newborn screening tests do not determine blood type. Blood type is typically determined through a separate blood test, such as an ABO and Rh typing test.
While knowing a baby's blood type is important for medical reasons, it's not the primary purpose of newborn screening.
Focusing solely on blood type could mislead parents about the broader scope of conditions that newborn screening aims to identify.
Choice B rationale:
This response is incorrect because newborn screening tests are not diagnostic tests. They are screening tests, which means they identify babies who may be at risk for certain diseases, but they do not confirm whether or not a baby actually has a disease.
Diagnostic tests are typically more specific and are performed after a screening test has indicated a potential problem.
It's crucial to clarify the distinction between screening and diagnosis to avoid causing undue alarm or confusion for parents.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct response. It accurately explains that newborn screening tests are routine procedures that are performed to detect babies who may be at risk for developing certain diseases.
The emphasis on "risk" is important because it highlights that a positive screening result does not necessarily mean that a baby has a disease, but rather that further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
This response also avoids making assumptions about the parents' carrier status, which is a sensitive topic that should be addressed with care and discretion.
Choice D rationale:
This response is incorrect because it assumes that the parents are carriers for a disease, which may not be the case.
Even if the parents are carriers, newborn screening tests are not designed to specifically determine whether a disease has been passed down from parent to child.
Making such assumptions could create unnecessary anxiety or confusion for parents, and it's important to provide information that is accurate and relevant to their specific situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fetal position during the first trimester is not definitively determined through ultrasound. While the gestational sac and fetal pole can be visualized, the fetus is still quite small and has ample space to move within the amniotic sac. This makes it challenging to accurately ascertain its position.
Reliable assessment of fetal position typically occurs later in pregnancy, usually between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. At this point, the fetus is larger and less mobile, allowing for a clearer assessment of its position through ultrasound.
The early determination of fetal position in the first trimester is not a primary goal of ultrasound. It is more focused on establishing pregnancy viability, gestational age, and detecting any potential abnormalities.
Choice B rationale:
Ultrasound in the first trimester can reliably detect multiple gestations. It can visualize the presence of multiple gestational sacs or fetal poles, clearly indicating whether a woman is carrying twins, triplets, or more.
Early identification of multiple gestations is crucial for optimal pregnancy management. It allows healthcare providers to tailor prenatal care, monitor for potential complications associated with multiple pregnancies, and plan for appropriate delivery. Choice C rationale:
Ultrasound in the first trimester can assist in detecting certain maternal abnormalities that could impact pregnancy. These may include:
Uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids or structural defects
Ovarian cysts
Ectopic pregnancies (where the embryo implants outside the uterus)
Gestational trophoblastic disease (abnormal growth of tissue inside the uterus)
Early identification of these maternal abnormalities allows for timely intervention and management, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and fetus.
Choice D rationale:
Confirming pregnancy is a primary reason for ultrasound in the first trimester. It can visualize the gestational sac, which contains the developing embryo and confirms the presence of a pregnancy.
Ultrasound can also detect the fetal heartbeat, which typically becomes visible between 6 and 8 weeks gestation. This provides further confirmation of a viable pregnancy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
It is true that a laboring client may not be able to eat, but this is not the primary reason for starting an IV. The client can receive fluids and electrolytes through the IV to maintain hydration and energy levels.
However, this response does not directly address the client's question about why the IV is necessary for the epidural.
It's important to provide a clear and accurate explanation to help the client understand the purpose of the intervention.
Choice B rationale:
This response is dismissive of the client's concerns and does not provide any information about why the IV is necessary.
It's important to acknowledge the client's concerns and provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct response. The IV is necessary to administer medication for relaxation before the epidural is placed.
The epidural is a regional anesthetic that blocks pain signals from the lower body.
The medication for relaxation helps to reduce anxiety and discomfort, which can make it easier to place the epidural.
It also helps to prevent the client from moving during the procedure, which could lead to complications.
Choice D rationale:
This response is not accurate. An IV bolus is not typically given to minimize the side effects of the epidural.
Side effects of the epidural, such as hypotension and nausea, are usually managed with other medications.
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