To prevent possible retinopathy in a preterm infant requiring oxygen therapy, the nurse will:

Keep the infant's eyes covered at all times.

Position with the head slightly lower than the body.

Administer low concentrations of oxygen.

Monitor arterial oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Administer low concentrations of oxygen. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of retinal vascular and capillary proliferation affecting premature infants undergoing oxygen therapy. Oxygen treatment results in pathologic growth of vessels in the developing retina that may lead to permanent damage to the retina as well as retinal detachment and macular folds. Administering low concentrations of oxygen can help prevent ROP by reducing the oxygen-induced vasoconstriction and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.

Choice A is not correct because keeping the infant's eyes covered at all times does not prevent ROP. In fact, it may increase the risk of infection or injury to the eyes.

Choice B is not correct because positioning with the head slightly lower than the body does not prevent ROP. It may increase the intracranial pressure and affect the cerebral blood flow.

Choice D is not correct because monitoring arterial oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter does not prevent ROP. It is a useful tool to guide oxygen therapy, but it does not directly affect retinal vascular development.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The foramen ovale closes, preventing blood exchange from right to left in the heart. This is because the foramen ovale is a fetal shunt that allows blood to bypass the lungs and flow from the right atrium to the left atrium. After birth, when the baby starts to breathe air, the lungs expand and the pulmonary resistance decreases. This causes an increase in blood flow and pressure in the left atrium, which pushes the foramen ovale closed. This prevents blood from mixing between the right and left sides of the heart and allows oxygenated blood to circulate to the body¹².

Choice A is not correct because the ductus arteriosus does not expand to allow more blood to enter the lungs. The ductus arteriosus is another fetal shunt that

connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta. It allows blood to bypass the lungs and flow from the right ventricle to the aorta. After birth, when the baby starts to breathe air, the oxygen concentration in the blood increases and causes the ductus arteriosus to constrict and close. This increases blood flow to the lungs and decreases blood flow to the aorta.

Choice C is not correct because the umbilical vein that carried oxygenated blood in utero does not become the ascending aorta entering the right atrium. The umbilical vein is a fetal vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus. It connects to either the portal vein or the ductus venosus, which then drains into the inferior vena cava. After birth, when the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the umbilical vein collapses and becomes a fibrous cord called ligamentum teres hepatis.

Choice D is not correct because the ductus venosus does not shunt oxygenated aortic blood to the lungs. The ductus venosus is another fetal vessel that connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava. It allows some of the oxygenated blood from the placenta to bypass the liver and enter directly into the systemic circulation. After birth, when the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, the ductus venosus closes and becomes a fibrous cord called ligamentum venosum.

A. asymmetrical chest movement B. respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute C. acrocyanosis D. short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds)

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Asymmetrical chest movement is a sign of respiratory distress in the newborn, as it indicates unequal lung expansion or airway obstruction. A respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute (choice B) is normal for a newborn, as is acrocyanosis (choice C), which is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. Short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds) (choice D) are also common and benign in newborns unless they are associated with bradycardia or cyanosis.

Choice B is not correct because a respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute is within the normal range for a newborn.

Choice C is not correct because acrocyanosis is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.

Choice D is not correct because short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds) are normal in newborns and do not indicate respiratory distress.

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To prevent possible retinopathy in a preterm infant requiring oxygen therapy, the nurse will:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When a newborn takes its first breath, what physical changes occur in the heart to increase oxygenation of the body?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which finding would alert the nurse to suspect that a newborn is experiencing respiratory distress?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Shortly after delivery, a symptom of respiratory distress in the newborn that should be reported is:

A nurse is caring for a newborn shortly after birth and places the newborn under a radiant warmer. Which of the following potential complications does this action help to prevent?

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A nurse is caring for several newborn clients. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the charge nurse?

The nurse is visiting a new mother who has been home with a new infant for 4 days. Which observation indicates that the mother's home environment was inadequately assessed prior to being discharged from the hospital?

A nurse is teaching a new mother about signs of effective breastfeeding of her newborn. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

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