Three hours after birth, a newborn becomes jittery and tachypneic. What should the nurse do first?

Obtain a capillary glucose level.

Feed 30 mL of 10% dextrose in water.

Wrap tightly in a blanket.

Encourage the mother to breastfeed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A: Obtain a capillary glucose level. This is the first action that the nurse should do, as it can diagnose hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level that can cause jitteriness and tachypnea in newborns. Hypoglycemia can be caused by maternal diabetes, prematurity, infection, or delayed feeding. The nurse should check the glucose level using a heel stick and a glucometer.

Choice B: Feed 30 mL of 10% dextrose in water. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not be appropriate for all newborns with jitteriness and tachypnea. Feeding 10% dextrose in water can raise the blood sugar level, but it may also cause rebound hypoglycemia or fluid overload. The nurse should feed only after confirming hypoglycemia and obtaining a healthcare provider's order.

Choice C: Wrap tightly in a blanket. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not address the underlying cause of jitteriness and tachypnea in newborns. Wrapping tightly in a blanket can prevent heat loss and conserve energy, but it may also impair breathing or circulation. The nurse should wrap only after ruling out other causes of jitteriness and tachypnea.

Choice D: Encourage the mother to breastfeed. This is not the first action that the nurse should do, as it may not be feasible or effective for all newborns with jitteriness and tachypnea. Breastfeeding can provide nutrition and bonding for newborns, but it may also be difficult or contraindicated for some newborns with respiratory distress or infection. The nurse should encourage breastfeeding only after assessing and stabilizing the newborn's condition.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is A. Flushed, peeling skin

Choice A reason: Flushed, peeling skin is a classic sign of scarlet fever, which is a condition that can arise from Streptococcal pharyngitis. Scarlet fever is characterized by a red rash that can cover most of the body and may lead to the skin peeling. This symptom is a direct reaction to the toxins produced by the Streptococcal bacteria.

Choice B reason: Red bumps across the chest could be indicative of many conditions and are not specifically characteristic of the reaction to toxins produced by Streptococcal bacteria. While a rash is common in scarlet fever, it typically starts on the face or neck and spreads to the rest of the body, rather than presenting as isolated red bumps.

Choice C reason: A white coating on the tongue, often referred to as “strawberry tongue,” is indeed associated with scarlet fever. However, it is not the clearest indication of a reaction to the toxins. The white coating usually precedes the strawberry-like appearance, where the tongue becomes red and bumpy.

Choice D reason: While a high fever is a symptom of scarlet fever, it is not specific to the reaction to toxins from Streptococcal bacteria, as many infections can cause high fevers. The term “protracted” suggests a prolonged fever, which could be seen in various conditions.

A. Ensure that the infant's crib mattress is firm. B. Prop the infant with a pillow when in a side-lying position. C. Swaddle the infant in a blanket for sleeping. D. Place the infant in a prone position whenever possible.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct because a firm mattress reduces the risk of suffocation and rebreathing of carbon dioxide, which are associated with SIDS.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because propping the infant with a pillow can cause the infant to slide down and suffocate or obstruct the airway.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because swaddling the infant in a blanket can cause overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because placing the infant in a prone position can increase the risk of SIDS by impairing gas exchange and thermoregulation.

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Three hours after birth, a newborn becomes jittery and tachypneic. What should the nurse do first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A preschool-aged child who is being tested for Streptococcal pharyngitis returns to the clinic for signs of scarlet fever. Which assessment finding provides the clearest indication to the nurse that the child is experiencing a reaction to toxins that are created by Streptococcal bacteria.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is planning to teach infant care and preventive measures for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) to a group of new parents. Which information is most important for the nurse to include?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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