The parents of a newborn who is being treated for bacterial septicemia ask the nurse why their baby didn't seem very ill. The best response of the nurse is:
Select one:
"You would have seen more symptoms if you had been looking more closely at your baby."
"A newborn's immune system isn't mature, so symptoms are subtle and can be hard to recognize."
"A high fever will always be present in sick newborns, including your baby."
"A mother's immunity usually protects the infant from illness, but not in this case."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: "You would have seen more symptoms if you had been looking more closely at your baby." This is an inappropriate response that blames the parents for missing the signs of sepsis and does not explain the Reason for the subtle symptoms.
Choice B Reason: "A newborn's immune system isn't mature, so symptoms are subtle and can be hard to recognize." This is an appropriate response that educates the parents about the immunological basis of sepsis in newborns and reassures them that they are not at fault for not noticing the symptoms.
Choice C Reason: "A high fever will always be present in sick newborns, including your baby." This is an incorrect response that contradicts the fact that newborns may not develop fever in response to infection due to their immature immune systems.
Choice D Reason: "A mother's immunity usually protects the infant from illness, but not in this case." This is an inaccurate response that implies that the mother failed to provide adequate immunity to her baby and does not address the question of why the baby did not seem very ill.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Docusate sodium (Colace). This is because docusate sodium is a stool softener that can prevent constipation and straining during defecation, which can aggravate or impair the healing of a perineal laceration. A fourth-degree perineal laceration is a severe tear that extends through the skin, muscles, perineal body, and anal sphincter into the rectal mucosa. It can occur during vaginal delivery due to factors such as fetal macrosomia, forceps use, or episiotomy.
Choice B Reason: Bromocriptine (Parlodel). This is an inappropriate medication for a postpartum client with a fourth- degree perineal laceration, as it has no effect on wound healing or pain relief. Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist that can suppress lactation by inhibiting prolactin secretion. It is used for women who do not wish to breastfeed or who have medical contraindications to breastfeeding.
Choice C Reason: Ferrous sulfate (Feosol). This is an unnecessary medication for a postpartum client with a fourth- degree perineal laceration, unless she has iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that can treat or prevent anemia by increasing hemoglobin production and oxygen-carrying capacity. Anemia can occur in the postpartum period due to blood loss during delivery or poor nutritional intake during pregnancy.
Choice D Reason: Methylergonovine (Methergine). This is an irrelevant medication for a postpartum client with a fourth-degree perineal laceration, as it does not affect wound healing or pain relief. Methylergonovine is an ergot alkaloid that can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum bleeding. It is used for women who have uterine atony or hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Frequent voiding encourages sphincter control. This is an incorrect statement that has no relevance to labor and delivery. Sphincter control refers to the ability to contract and relax the muscles that control urination and defecation. It is not affected by frequent voiding.
Choice B Reason: A full bladder impedes oxygen flow to the fetus. This is an incorrect statement that confuses a full bladder with a prolapsed cord. A prolapsed cord is a condition where the umbilical cord slips through the cervix before the baby and becomes compressed by the fetal head, which can reduce oxygen flow to the fetus. A full bladder does not affect oxygen flow to the fetus.
Choice C Reason: Frequent voiding prevents bruising of the bladder. This is an incorrect statement that exaggerates the effect of a full bladder on the bladder wall. A full bladder may cause some pressure or discomfort on the bladder, but it does not cause bruising or damage.
Choice D Reason: A full bladder can impede fetal descent. This is a correct statement that explains why it is important for the nurse to assess the bladder regularly and encourage the laboring client to void every 2 hours.

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