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."
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome is not the correct answer, as it is a coagulation disorder that causes widespread clotting and bleeding in the body. DIC can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. DIC would cause a low platelet count, but also a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and a low fibrinogen level.
Choice B reason: Eclampsia is not the correct answer, as it is a seizure disorder that occurs in clients with severe preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur as a complication of severe preeclampsia, but it is not indicated by the laboratory results. Eclampsia would cause a high blood pressure, but also a proteinuria, edema, and hyperreflexia.
Choice C reason: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP) syndrome is the correct answer, as it is a variant of severe preeclampsia that affects the blood and the liver. HELLP syndrome is indicated by the laboratory results, as it causes a low platelet count, an elevated AST level, and a falling hematocrit. HELLP syndrome would also cause a high blood pressure, a proteinuria, and a right upper quadrant pain.
Choice D reason: Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is not the correct answer, as it is an autoimmune disorder that causes the destruction of platelets by antibodies. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia can affect pregnant women, but it is not related to severe preeclampsia or the laboratory results. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia would cause a low platelet count, but not an elevated AST level or a falling hematocrit.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory rate is the priority nursing assessment for this client, because magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening complication. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate closely, and discontinue the infusion if it falls below 12 breaths per minute.
Choice B reason: Bowel sounds is not a priority nursing assessment for this client, because magnesium sulfate does not have a significant effect on the gastrointestinal system. The nurse should assess the client's bowel sounds as part of the routine physical examination, but it is not a critical parameter for this medication.
Choice C reason: Time of last food intake is not a priority nursing assessment for this client, because magnesium sulfate does not interact with food or affect the absorption of nutrients. The nurse should inquire about the client's dietary intake and preferences, but it is not a vital factor for this medication.
Choice D reason: Temperature is not a priority nursing assessment for this client, because magnesium sulfate does not cause fever or hypothermia. The nurse should measure the client's temperature as part of the vital signs, but it is not a key indicator for this medication.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.