Using the Ballard Gestational Age Assessment Tool, the nurse determines that a 15-minute old client has a gestational age of 42 weeks. Based on this finding, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Apply a pulse oximeter to the foot
Draw arterial blood gases.
Obtain a capillary blood glucose.
Provide blow by oxygen.
The Correct Answer is C
A: Apply a pulse oximeter to the foot. Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation can help detect hypoxemia early, which can be a concern in post-term infants due to potential respiratory distress or meconium aspiration. However, while important, this is a monitoring measure and not an immediate corrective action for potential metabolic or respiratory issues directly associated with post-term birth.
B: Draw arterial blood gases. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) provide critical information about the newborn's acid-base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation status. Post-term infants are at risk for hypoxia and acidosis, often due to placental insufficiency or meconium aspiration. However, obtaining ABGs can be invasive and might not be the first-line immediate action unless there are signs of severe distress.
C: Obtain a capillary blood glucose. Post-term infants are at increased risk for hypoglycaemia due to increased glucose utilization and possible depletion of glycogen stores. Hypoglycaemia can lead to serious complications if not promptly identified and managed. Therefore, checking blood glucose levels is a critical, non-invasive, and immediate step to ensure metabolic stability and prevent complications such as seizures and brain injury.
D: Provide blow-by oxygen. Blow-by oxygen is used to provide supplemental oxygen in a non-invasive manner and can help in cases of mild respiratory distress. Post-term infants can be at risk for respiratory issues, including meconium aspiration syndrome. However, this is usually applied when there is evidence of respiratory distress and not as a routine measure without specific indications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Use an interpreter throughout the client's hospitalization. Consistently using an interpreter throughout the client's hospitalization ensures clear communication, improves understanding, and enhances the quality of care. However, this answer does not address the specific context of the health assessment interview.
B. Maintain eye contact with client when questions are asked. Maintaining eye contact with the client rather than the interpreter helps build rapport and shows respect and engagement with the client. This practice encourages the client to feel directly involved in the conversation, even though an interpreter is present, fostering a sense of trust and comfort.
C. Ask the interpreter to tell the client to write down questions. This option may be less effective if the client has limited literacy or is uncomfortable with writing. Additionally, it adds an unnecessary step that can complicate the communication process.
D. Give the interpreter a form that lists the interview questions. Providing the interpreter with a list of questions might help streamline the process but can depersonalize the interaction and reduce the engagement with the client. It is more effective for the nurse to ask questions directly and maintain communication with the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A Description of head pain: While head pain can be a concern after an MVC, it doesn't necessarily require immediate intervention based on the information provided.
B. Concentrated urine output: Concentrated urine can suggest dehydration, but it's not the most urgent finding in this scenario.
C. Bruising on both arms: Bruising is a common consequence of an MVC and doesn't require immediate intervention.
D. Blood glucose is 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L): This blood sugar level is above the normal reference range and could indicate hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). In an older adult, especially after a stressful event like an MVC, it's crucial to address this as it can worsen confusion and other symptoms.
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