A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

"Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection."

"Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea."

"Surfactant improves the ability of your baby's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide."

"The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as surfactant is not an antibiotic and does not treat infections. Surfactant is a substance that is naturally produced by the lungs to reduce the surface tension and prevent the alveoli from collapsing. Premature infants may have insufficient surfactant, which can cause RDS.

Choice B reason: This statement is partially true, as surfactant can help reduce episodes of periodic apnea, which is a condition where the newborn stops breathing for more than 20 seconds. However, this is not the main purpose of surfactant therapy, and other interventions, such as oxygen, ventilation, and caffeine, may be needed to treat apnea.

Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as surfactant improves the ability of the baby's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, which are essential for life. Surfactant therapy can improve the lung function, reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, and prevent complications, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hemorrhage.

Choice D reason: This statement is false, as surfactant does not affect the level of sedation in the newborn. Surfactant is administered through an endotracheal tube, which may require sedation to reduce discomfort and agitation. The nurse should monitor the newborn's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and pain level during and after the procedure.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not a necessary intervention for the client, unless she has signs of hypoxia, such as dyspnea, tachypnea, or cyanosis. Oxygen administration is not routinely indicated for clients with inevitable abortion.

Choice B reason: Offering option to view products of conception is an appropriate intervention for the client, because it can help her cope with the loss of pregnancy and facilitate the grieving process. The nurse should respect the client's decision and provide emotional support.

Choice C reason: Instructing the client to increase potassium-rich foods in the diet is not a relevant intervention for the client, unless she has signs of hypokalemia, such as muscle weakness, cramps, or arrhythmias. Potassium intake is not related to the cause or prevention of inevitable abortion.

Choice D reason: Maintaining the client in a Trendelenburg position is not a recommended intervention for the client, because it can increase the risk of aspiration, respiratory compromise, and venous congestion. Trendelenburg position is not effective in preventing or treating inevitable abortion.

A. Increased subcutaneous fat B. Dry, cracked skin C. Scant scalp hair D. Copious vernix

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Increased subcutaneous fat is not a typical finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have less subcutaneous fat, and may appear thin and wasted.

Choice B reason: Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because the skin has been exposed to the amniotic fluid for a prolonged period. The skin may also appear peeling, wrinkled, or leathery.

Choice C reason: Scant scalp hair is not a usual finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have more scalp hair, and may also have long nails and abundant lanugo.

Choice D reason: Copious vernix is not a specific finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have little or no vernix, which is a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin in utero.

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A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is planning care for a client who is at 10 weeks of gestation and reports abdominal pain and moderate vaginal bleeding. The tentative diagnosis is inevitable abortion. Which of the following nursing interventions should be included in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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