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 D
Explanation
A. Absolute dullness: This typically indicates fluid or a mass in the abdomen and is not a normal finding.
B. Absent sounds: Complete absence of bowel sounds can be a sign of an obstruction or ileus.
C. Pain: Pain during percussion suggests inflammation or irritation in the underlying organs.
D. Musical and drum like sounds: These are normal bowel sounds produced by gas and fluid movement within the intestines.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Dimpled area above anus: This can be a sign of a pilonidal cyst, a condition where hair follicles become embedded under the skin.
B. Flap of tissue at sphincter: This could indicate haemorrhoids, swollen veins in the anus and rectum.
C. Hypotonic tone of the anal sphincter: Weak anal sphincter tone can lead to faecal incontinence.
D. Increased pigmentation and coarse skin: This is a normal finding, especially in adults. The perianal area can have a darker colour and thicker skin texture compared to other areas
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.