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: Ensure that the room is warm and undress the child completely. While a warm room is important to keep the child comfortable, undressing the child completely can cause distress and discomfort, especially in toddlers who may feel exposed and vulnerable.
B: Have the parent remove the child's outer clothing and remove the diaper or training pants when necessary. This approach is more appropriate as it allows the child to remain relatively comfortable and secure. The parent’s involvement helps reassure the child, and only removing necessary clothing minimizes distress. It also allows for targeted examination without fully undressing the child, which is less intimidating for toddlers.
C: Help the child take off his/her clothes, removing underwear only to conduct examination of the genitalia. Assisting the child in removing clothes can be helpful, but it might be more comforting and less invasive if the parent is involved in this process. Removing underwear only when necessary for a genital examination is appropriate, but it might still be distressing for the child without prior explanation and parental presence.
D: Prior to helping the child remove his/her clothing, use a paper doll to demonstrate removal of clothing. Demonstrating the process using a paper doll can be an effective way to prepare the child for what will happen during the assessment, reducing anxiety. However, this is more of a preparatory step rather than a direct protocol for the physical assessment itself. It can be a helpful adjunct to the primary method but is not sufficient on its own.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Determine the client's most recent hemoglobin level: While low hemoglobin can be associated with conditions that cause clubbing, it's not the initial step. Documenting the finding is more important first.
B. Document the presence of nail bed clubbing: An angle of 200 degrees between the nail and nail bed is a classic sign of clubbing, which can be associated with various underlying conditions.
C. Administer a PRN prescription for oxygen: This is not indicated unless the client has respiratory problems, and clubbing itself doesn't necessitate oxygen.
D. Consult with a podiatrist: Consulting a podiatrist might be necessary for nail care in some situations, but it's not the most urgent action for nail bed clubbing. Documenting the finding and investigating the underlying cause is the priority.
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.
