The nurse is caring for a newborn infant with a cleft lip and palate.
Which of the following is the FIRST priority nursing goal when caring for this infant?
Positioning to prevent fluid accumulation in the middle ear which will result in infection.
Facilitating immediate repair of the cleft palate to ease the feeding difficulties.
Assisting the mother to bond with the baby by providing emotional support.
Establishing adequate feeding and sucking to promote growth and development.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While positioning to prevent fluid accumulation in the middle ear is important in the care of a newborn with a cleft lip and palate, it is not the first priority. Middle ear infections are common in children with cleft palate because the muscles that open the eustachian tubes (which drain fluid from the middle ear) may not work well. However, this is typically addressed after feeding issues are managed.
Choice B rationale
Facilitating immediate repair of the cleft palate to ease feeding difficulties is important, but it is not the first priority. Surgery to repair cleft palate is usually done when the child is older,
between 6 and 12 months of age. The timing of surgery depends on the child’s overall health and the type and severity of the cleft.
Choice C rationale
Assisting the mother to bond with the baby by providing emotional support is an important aspect of care. However, it is not the first priority. The initial focus is on addressing the baby’s immediate physical needs, such as feeding and breathing.
Choice D rationale
Establishing adequate feeding and sucking is the first priority when caring for a newborn with a cleft lip and palate. Babies with a cleft palate may have difficulty creating enough suction to breastfeed or bottle-feed effectively. Special feeding techniques and equipment may be needed to help these babies get enough nutrition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
These therapies will decrease our child’s resistance to respiratory infections. This statement is incorrect. The therapies mentioned - chest physiotherapy (CPT), use of a flutter valve, and a cough assist machine - do not directly decrease a child’s resistance to respiratory infections.
Instead, they help manage the symptoms of cystic fibrosis by helping to clear mucus from the lungs, which can improve lung function and reduce the risk of lung infections.
Choice B rationale
These therapies will only be done when our child is showing signs of illness. This statement is incorrect. These therapies are part of the daily management of cystic fibrosis and are typically done regularly, not just when the child is showing signs of illness.
Choice C rationale
These therapies will help to loosen our child’s secretions and allow for better expectoration. This statement is correct. The goal of these therapies is to help clear thick, sticky mucus from the lungs, which can improve breathing and reduce the risk of lung infections.
Choice D rationale
These therapies will allow for the removal of mucus from our child’s GI tract that blocks digestion. This statement is incorrect. While cystic fibrosis can affect the digestive system by causing thick mucus to block the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your small intestine, the therapies mentioned are primarily used to help clear mucus from the lungs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
