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

The ductus arteriosus expands to allow more blood to enter the lungs

The foramen ovale closes, preventing blood exchange from right to left in the heart

The umbilical vein that carried oxygenated blood in utero becomes the ascending aorta entering the right atrium

The ductus venosus shunts oxygenated aortic blood to the lungs.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Leave the milia alone: it will disappear spontaneously. No treatment is needed. Milia are small, white cysts that form on the skin, usually on the face, nose, or cheeks of newborns. They are harmless and very common, affecting about half of all healthy infants. They are caused by dead skin cells trapped in pockets of the skin or mouth. They are not a type of acne and are not related to breastfeeding or formula feeding. They usually go away on their own within a few weeks or months without any intervention.

Choice A is incorrect because squeezing out the white material can damage the skin and cause infection or scarring.

Choice B is incorrect because contacting a pediatric dermatologist is unnecessary and expensive for a benign condition that resolves by itself.

Choice D is incorrect because washing the baby's face with a mild astringent can irritate the skin and make the milia worse.

A. Endometritis B. Cystitis C. Dehydration D. Hypovolemic shock

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Endometritis. This is because the client's symptoms suggest that she has endometritis, which is an infection of the lining of the uterus. Endometritis is a common postpartum complication that can occur after vaginal or cesarean delivery. The client may also have foul-smelling vaginal discharge, chills, and fatigue.

Choice B is wrong because cystitis is an infection of the bladder that causes pain or burning during urination, not cramping.

Choice C is wrong because dehydration does not cause fever or persistent cramping.

Choice D is wrong because hypovolemic shock is a condition of low blood volume that causes low blood pressure, rapid pulse, and pale skin, not fever or cramping.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Parents express concern about the milia on the face and nose of their baby. The nurse's most helpful response would be to instruct the parents to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Five days after a spontaneous vaginal delivery, a woman comes to the emergency room because she has a fever and persistent cramping. The nurse recognizes that the cause of these signs and symptoms may be:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who saturates a perineal pad in 10 minutes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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