The nurse is collecting a heel-stick blood specimen for a neonatal screen, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, prior to discharging a 2-day-old patient.
When the parents ask why these tests are being conducted, which explanation should the nurse provide?
This is a routine blood test required by law to screen for metabolic deficiencies.
Dosages for thyroid replacement therapy will be determined by this test.
This technique is used for early detection of intellectual disabilities.
These laboratory values will provide data to anticipate delays in growth and development.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The neonatal screening test, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, is a routine blood test required by law to screen for metabolic deficiencies. This test helps diagnose thyroid conditions. T4 is a thyroid hormone, and too much or too little of it can indicate an issue with the thyroid. TSH is a hormone your pituitary gland makes. It stimulates your thyroid to produce T4 and T3 (triiodothyronine) hormones. A TSH test is the best way to initially assess thyroid function. In fact, T4 tests more accurately reflect thyroid function when combined with a TSH test. Measuring T4 levels might not be necessary in all thyroid conditions. Other names for a T4 test include: Free thyroxine, Total T4 concentration, Thyroxine screen, Free T4 concentration, Free T4 index (FTI)1.
Choice B rationale
While the T4 and TSH tests can help diagnose thyroid conditions, they are not specifically used to determine dosages for thyroid replacement therapy. The dosage of thyroid replacement therapy is usually determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient’s medical condition, weight, age, laboratory test results, and response to treatment.
Choice C rationale
The neonatal screening test is not specifically used for the early detection of intellectual disabilities. However, it is important to note that untreated congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disabilities. Therefore, early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism generally result in normal growth and development.
Choice D rationale
While these laboratory values can provide data about the thyroid function of the newborn, they do not directly provide data to anticipate delays in growth and development. However, untreated congenital hypothyroidism can lead to growth and developmental delays. Therefore, early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism generally result in normal growth and development.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reviewing the history and physical (H&P), nurse’s notes, flow sheet, and orders is a standard part of nursing care for any patient. However, in the case of a 3-week-old infant who has had a seizure, this action alone would not directly address the condition the infant is most likely experiencing.
Choice B rationale
While calling for a chest x-ray could be part of the diagnostic process for certain conditions, it is not typically the first action taken in response to a seizure in an infant.
Choice C rationale
Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, can cause seizures in infants. Phenytoin, the medication given to the baby in the ambulance, is used to control seizures. Therefore, hypocalcemia could be the condition the infant is experiencing.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring the respiratory rate is an important part of assessing any patient’s condition, especially an infant who has had a seizure. However, it does not specify the condition the infant is most likely experiencing.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the client’s white blood cell count is important in this case. An elevated white blood cell count is a common sign of infection, and regular monitoring can help assess the client’s response to treatment.
Choice B rationale
Implementing contact precautions for staff and visitors is crucial when caring for a client with a potential VRE infection. VRE is a multi-drug resistant organism that can be spread through direct contact, so strict infection control measures are necessary.
Choice C rationale
Using standard precautions and wearing a mask is generally good practice in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. However, a mask is not specifically required for contact precautions with VRE456.
Choice D rationale
Explaining the purpose of a low bacteria diet is not relevant in this case. While diet can play a role in overall health and recovery, it is not a specific intervention for a client with a potential VRE infection.
Choice E rationale
Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity is an important step in confirming the presence of VRE and determining the most effective antibiotic therapy.
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