The nurse's initial action when caring for an otherwise stable, full term infant with a slightly decreased temperature is to:
Select one:
Place the infant skin to skin with the mother and re-check temperature in 30 minutes.
Check the infant's CBC and blood cultures, as this is a sign of probable sepsis.
Return the infant to the nursery for close observation under warming lights.
Notify the physician immediately and suggest orders for placement in an incubator.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: Place the infant skin to skin with the mother and re-check temperature in 30 minutes. This is because skin-to-skin contact is an effective and safe method of increasing the infant's temperature and promoting thermoregulation. Skin-to-skin contact also has other benefits such as enhancing bonding, breastfeeding, and maternal-infant attachment.
Choice B Reason: Check the infant's CBC and blood cultures, as this is a sign of probable sepsis. This is an unnecessary action that may cause undue stress and discomfort to the infant and the mother. A slightly decreased temperature in a full-term infant is not a sign of probable sepsis, but rather a common finding that may be due to environmental factors, such as exposure to cold air or wet linens.
Choice C Reason: Return the infant to the nursery for close observation under warming lights. This is an undesirable action that may interfere with the early initiation of breastfeeding and bonding between the mother and the infant. Warming lights are not recommended for routine use in healthy newborns, as they may cause dehydration, hyperthermia, or eye damage.
Choice D Reason: Notify the physician immediately and suggest orders for placement in an incubator. This is an excessive action that may indicate a lack of knowledge or confidence on the part of the nurse. An incubator is not indicated for a stable, full term infant with a slightly decreased temperature, as it may expose the infant to unnecessary interventions, infections, or separation from the mother.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Assisting with the delivery of the placenta and ensuring that the fundus is contracted afterward. This is an appropriate action for the nurse to perform during the third stage of labor, as it helps complete the process of labor and prevent complications.
Choice B Reason: Palpating the woman's fundus for position and firmness. This is an action that is done after the delivery of the placenta, not during. It is important to monitor the fundal height, location, and consistency to assess uterine involution and bleeding.
Choice C Reason: Encouraging the woman to push with her contractions. This is an action that is done during the second stage of labor, not the third. The second stage of labor is the period from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby. The nurse's role is to support and coach the woman to push effectively with her contractions.
Choice D Reason: Alleviating perineal discomfort with the application of ice packs. This is an action that is done after the delivery of the placenta, not during. It is a comfort measure that can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in the perineal area.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: The cheek of the newborn is touched, and the newborn turns toward the side that was touched. This is an incorrect answer that describes a different reflex called the rooting reflex. The rooting reflex is a feeding reflex that helps the newborn locate the nipple and initiate sucking. The rooting reflex is elicited by stroking the cheek or corner of the mouth of the newborn, which causes them to turn their head and open their mouth toward the stimulus.
Choice B Reason: The newborn is suddenly lowered or startled, and they extend their arms, legs and neck, then rapidly bring their arms together. This is because this response describes the Moro reflex, which is a primitive reflex that is present at birth and disappears by 3 to 6 months of age. The Moro reflex is elicited by simulating a falling sensation or a loud noise, which triggers a fear response in the newborn. The Moro reflex consists of four phases: extension, abduction, adduction, and crying.
Choice C Reason: The newborn is supine and their head is turned to one side, then the arm on that same side extends. This is an incorrect answer that refers to another reflex called the tonic neck reflex. The tonic neck reflex is a postural reflex that helps prepare the newborn for voluntary reaching. The tonic neck reflex is elicited by placing the newborn in a supine position and turning their head to one side, which causes them to assume a "fencing" posture with one arm extended and one arm flexed.
Choice D Reason: The lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn's foot is stroked, and the toes extend and fan outward. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a different reflex called the Babinski reflex. The Babinski reflex is a neurological reflex that tests for spinal cord integrity. The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot from heel to toe, which causes the big toe to dorsiflex and the other toes to fan out.
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