A term newborn weighs 4 pounds 5 ounces. The nurse assesses that this newborn is small for gestational age (SGA). The nurse knows that teaching has been effective when the parents state:
Select one:
"My baby will always be smaller than other babies his age."
"My baby will be okay as long as he has frequent feedings."
"My baby will need to stay in the hospital until he weighs 5 pounds."
"My baby can get cold easily, may have low blood sugar, and may have trouble breathing."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: "My baby will always be smaller than other babies his age." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a misconception or pessimism about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not always be smaller than other babies their age, as they may catch up in growth and development with appropriate nutrition and care. SGA newborns may have different growth paterns depending on the cause and timing of their growth restriction.
Choice B Reason: "My baby will be okay as long as he has frequent feedings." This is an incorrect answer that indicates an oversimplification or optimism about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not be okay with just frequent feedings, as they may have other problems or complications that require medical atention and intervention. SGA newborns may have increased nutritional needs and feeding difficulties due to low birth weight, poor suck-swallow coordination, or oral aversion.
Choice C Reason: "My baby will need to stay in the hospital until he weighs 5 pounds." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a misunderstanding or confusion about SGA newborns. SGA newborns may not need to stay in the hospital until they weigh 5 pounds, as they may be discharged earlier or later depending on their condition and readiness for home care. SGA newborns may have different criteria for discharge based on their gestational age, weight gain, feeding tolerance, temperature stability, and absence of complications.
Choice D Reason: "My baby can get cold easily, may have low blood sugar, and may have trouble breathing." This is because this statement by the parents indicates that they understand some of the common problems and complications that SGA newborns may face. SGA newborns are those who weigh less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age, which can be due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or constitutional factors. SGA newborns may have difficulties with thermoregulation, glucose metabolism, and respiratory function due to inadequate fat stores, glycogen reserves, and surfactant production.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn to maximize light absorption. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a contraindicated and harmful intervention that can interfere with phototherapy. Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn can create a barrier or a reflective surface that can reduce the exposure and penetration of light to the skin, which can decrease the efficacy of phototherapy. Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn can also cause skin irritation, infection, or burns, as it can trap heat and moisture under the light source.
Choice B Reason: Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily. This is an incorrect answer that suggests a detrimental and dangerous intervention that can impair phototherapy. Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily can cause dehydration, hypoglycemia, or electrolyte imbalance in newborns, which can worsen jaundice and increase the risk of complications such as kernicterus (brain damage due to high bilirubin levels). Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily can also decrease the excretion of bilirubin through urine or stool, which can counteract the effect of phototherapy.
Choice C Reason: Keeping the newborn in the supine position. This is an incorrect answer that implies an incomplete and inadequate intervention that can limit phototherapy. Keeping the newborn in the supine position is a nursing action that involves placing the newborn on their back, which can expose their anterior body surface to light.
However, keeping the newborn in the supine position alone is not sufficient for phototherapy, as it does not expose their posterior body surface to light. The nurse should also reposition the newborn frequently to expose different body parts to light, such as their sides or abdomen.
Choice D Reason: Feeding every 3 hours to maximize intake of fluids and output. This is because feeding every 3 hours is a nursing intervention that can enhance the effectiveness and safety of phototherapy, which is a treatment that uses blue or white light to reduce the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down, which can cause jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) if it accumulates in excess. Phototherapy works by converting bilirubin into a water-soluble form that can be excreted through urine or stool. Feeding every 3 hours can increase the intake of fluids and calories, which can promote hydration, nutrition, and elimination of bilirubin.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "Our baby's newborn rash is from this syndrome." This is because this statement by a parent indicates that additional teaching is required, as it shows a misunderstanding or confusion about FAS and its manifestations. FAS is a condition that occurs when a woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy, which can affect the development and function of various organs and systems in the fetus and child. FAS can cause physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems such as facial abnormalities, growth retardation, learning difficulties, and atention deficits. FAS does not cause newborn rash, which is a common and benign condition that affects many newborns regardless of maternal alcohol intake. Newborn rash is also known as erythema toxicum neonatorum or baby acne, which is characterized by small red bumps or pustules on the face, chest, or back that usually disappear within a few weeks.
Choice B Reason: "His face looks like it does due to this problem." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its features. Facial abnormalities are one of the characteristic signs of FAS, which include small eye openings, thin upper lip, flat nasal bridge, and smooth philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip).
Choice C Reason: "He can show signs of withdrawal from alcohol exposure like jiteriness, sweating, hyper reflexes, poor feeding and not sleeping well." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its complications. Signs of withdrawal are possible effects of FAS, which occur when the fetus or newborn is exposed to alcohol in utero or through breast milk, which can cause neurotoxicity and dependency. Signs of withdrawal can include jiteriness, sweating, hyper reflexes, poor feeding, and not sleeping well, as well as irritability, seizures, or tremors.
Choice D Reason: "He is at risk of having intellectual disabilities, so we will need to get extra services to support him." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its implications. Intellectual disabilities are potential outcomes of FAS, which affect the cognitive development and function of the child. Intellectual disabilities can cause problems with memory, Reasoning, language, and social skills. Extra services and support may be needed to help the child achieve their optimal potential and quality of life.
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