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."

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Apical pulse of 148 beats per minute. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal apical pulse for a newborn ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. A high pulse rate may indicate fever, infection, anemia, or dehydration. A low pulse rate may indicate hypothermia, hypoxia, or heart block.

Choice B Reason: Respiratory rate of 40 during sleep. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute. A high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress, infection, or metabolic acidosis. A low respiratory rate may indicate respiratory depression, hypothermia, or narcotic exposure.

Choice C Reason: Skin color jaundiced. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a diﬀerent condition called jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin that is normally excreted by the liver and kidneys. Jaundice can occur in newborns due to immature liver function, increased red blood cell breakdown, or blood group incompatibility. Jaundice does not aﬀect lung function or oxygenation.

Choice D Reason: Chest retractions. This is because chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress that indicate increased work of breathing and reduced lung compliance. Chest retractions occur when the chest wall sinks in between the ribs or below the sternum during inhalation, creating a negative pressure that helps draw air into the lungs. RDS is a serious condition where the newborn's lungs are immature and lack sufficient surfactant, which is a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse. RDS can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, acidosis, and organ failure. It is more common in preterm infants, especially those born before 37 weeks' gestation.

A. Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn to maximize light absorption. B. Reducing the amount of ﬂuid intake to 8 ounces daily. C. Keeping the newborn in the supine position. D. Feeding every 3 hours to maximize intake of ﬂuids and output.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn to maximize light absorption. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a contraindicated and harmful intervention that can interfere with phototherapy. Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn can create a barrier or a reﬂective surface that can reduce the exposure and penetration of light to the skin, which can decrease the efficacy of phototherapy. Applying Vaseline or lotion to newborn can also cause skin irritation, infection, or burns, as it can trap heat and moisture under the light source.

Choice B Reason: Reducing the amount of ﬂuid intake to 8 ounces daily. This is an incorrect answer that suggests a detrimental and dangerous intervention that can impair phototherapy. Reducing the amount of ﬂuid intake to 8 ounces daily can cause dehydration, hypoglycemia, or electrolyte imbalance in newborns, which can worsen jaundice and increase the risk of complications such as kernicterus (brain damage due to high bilirubin levels). Reducing the amount of ﬂuid intake to 8 ounces daily can also decrease the excretion of bilirubin through urine or stool, which can counteract the eﬀect of phototherapy.

Choice C Reason: Keeping the newborn in the supine position. This is an incorrect answer that implies an incomplete and inadequate intervention that can limit phototherapy. Keeping the newborn in the supine position is a nursing action that involves placing the newborn on their back, which can expose their anterior body surface to light.

However, keeping the newborn in the supine position alone is not sufficient for phototherapy, as it does not expose their posterior body surface to light. The nurse should also reposition the newborn frequently to expose diﬀerent body parts to light, such as their sides or abdomen.

Choice D Reason: Feeding every 3 hours to maximize intake of ﬂuids and output. This is because feeding every 3 hours is a nursing intervention that can enhance the eﬀectiveness and safety of phototherapy, which is a treatment that uses blue or white light to reduce the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down, which can cause jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) if it accumulates in excess. Phototherapy works by converting bilirubin into a water-soluble form that can be excreted through urine or stool. Feeding every 3 hours can increase the intake of ﬂuids and calories, which can promote hydration, nutrition, and elimination of bilirubin.

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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:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse explains to new parents that their newborn has developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which of the following assessments that the nurse makes would support a diagnosis of RDS? Select one:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan of care for a newborn receiving phototherapy? Select one:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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: