The parents of a newborn ask the nurse how much the newborn can see.
The parents specifically want to know what type of visual stimuli they should provide for their newborn.
The nurse responds to the parents by telling them:
"Infants can track their parent's eyes and can distinguish patterns; they prefer contrasting colors.”.
"The infant's eyes must be protected. Infants enjoy looking at brightly colored stripes.”.
"Infants can see very little until about 3 months of age.”.
"It's important to shield the newborn's eyes. Overhead lights help them see better.”. . . .
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
At birth, an infant's visual acuity is poor, approximately 20/400, and they can see best at a distance of 8 to 15 inches, which is typically the distance to a parent's face while being held or fed. Newborns are drawn to highly contrasting patterns (like a checkerboard or the dark/light contrast of the human eye and hairline) and are able to track slow-moving objects, particularly the mother's eyes and face.
Choice B rationale
While the infant's eyes must be protected from injury, the claim that they must be protected from all light is an exaggeration; normal room light is not harmful. Newborns prefer complex, high-contrast stimuli (like black and white or red) over simple stripes. The retinal and nervous system maturation necessary for detailed color perception and acuity is incomplete at birth.
Choice C rationale
This statement is incorrect; newborns can see and process visual stimuli at birth, albeit with limited acuity and range. They are not visually blind. Significant visual development, such as improved accommodation and color perception, occurs over the first few months of life, but they can visually engage with their environment and caregivers from day one.
Choice D rationale
This statement offers conflicting and misleading advice. While overhead lights themselves do not usually cause harm, shielding the eyes is not necessary under normal circumstances. The most important visual stimuli for a newborn is the human face at a close distance, not intense or overhead lighting, which may actually be overstimulating due to their light sensitivity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Phototherapy utilizes ultraviolet light to convert unconjugated bilirubin (a neurotoxic substance) into water-soluble photoisomers that can be excreted in bile and urine, thus reducing hyperbilirubinemia. The intense light, specifically the blue spectrum (460-490 nm), can cause retinal damage as the immature retina absorbs the light energy. Eye shields protect the delicate retina, preventing potential long-term visual impairment from light exposure.
Choice B rationale
Frequent position changes are crucial, ideally every 2 to 3 hours, not every 4 hours, to maximize the skin surface area exposed to the phototherapy lights. This ensures maximal photo-oxidation of the unconjugated bilirubin throughout the body, accelerating its conversion and excretion. Delayed turning reduces the therapeutic effect of the light treatment.
Choice C rationale
The newborn needs adequate fluid intake, often requiring increased frequency of breastfeeding or formula, to compensate for insensible water loss and diarrhea (a common side effect) caused by phototherapy. Increased fluid volume aids in the renal and fecal excretion of the bilirubin photoisomers, facilitating the clearance of the hyperbilirubinemia.
Choice D rationale
Oil-based lotions and ointments are contraindicated during phototherapy because they can absorb the ultraviolet light and cause an increased heat build-up. This can lead to skin burns and thermal injury. Furthermore, applying oil can block the skin's surface area, interfering with the penetration of light necessary for bilirubin photo-oxidation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The Apgar score is a rapid assessment of the newborn's immediate transition to extrauterine life. It evaluates five signs: Appearance (color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace (reflex irritability), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration. The initial assessments are standardized at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to track improvement or deterioration.
Choice B rationale
The Apgar score is performed at 1 and 5 minutes as a baseline and assessment of immediate transition. It is repeated at 10 minutes only if the 5-minute score is 6 or less. Assessing it every 15 minutes during the first hour is not the standardized practice for this specific tool.
Choice C rationale
Although the obstetrician or nurse initially performs the Apgar, it is a timed assessment and is standardly performed by the nurse or healthcare provider at least twice (at 1 and 5 minutes). The nurse's role is to ensure the 5-minute score is recorded and to continue monitoring.
Choice D rationale
The Apgar assessment is a routine, standardized component of the initial newborn assessment for all infants. It serves as an objective method to determine the need for immediate resuscitation (if 1-minute score is low) or continued close observation, not only for obvious distress. —.
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.