The nurse is assessing a newborn and notes that the infant has a yellowish tint to the skin. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Reassure the parents that this is normal
- B. Monitor the infant's bilirubin levels
- C. Increase the frequency of feedings
- D. Administer phototherapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a newborn presents with a yellowish tint to the skin, it can indicate jaundice, which is caused by elevated bilirubin levels. Monitoring the infant's bilirubin levels is crucial to assess the severity of jaundice and determine the need for further intervention. Reassuring the parents without proper assessment could lead to delayed treatment if jaundice is present. Increasing the frequency of feedings may not address the underlying cause of jaundice. Administering phototherapy is a treatment option that should be based on bilirubin level assessment and healthcare provider's recommendation.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client with a history of seizures is being discharged home. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
- A. Take your medication as prescribed.
- B. Avoid driving until your condition is stable.
- C. Keep a seizure diary.
- D. Avoid alcohol consumption.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important instruction for a client with a history of seizures being discharged home is to take their medication as prescribed. Consistent and timely intake of anti-seizure medication is vital in managing seizures and preventing episodes. While instructions like avoiding driving until the condition is stable, keeping a seizure diary, and avoiding alcohol consumption are important, none are as critical as ensuring proper medication adherence to control seizures effectively. Failure to take prescribed medications can lead to breakthrough seizures, compromising the patient's safety and seizure control.
A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is receiving digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?
- A. Check blood pressure.
- B. Assess heart rate.
- C. Monitor respiratory rate.
- D. Measure oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to evaluate the heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia. While checking blood pressure, monitoring respiratory rate, and measuring oxygen saturation are important assessments in the care of a client with chronic heart failure, assessing the heart rate is particularly critical due to the medication's potential impact on heart rhythm.
Before administration of a stat dose of potassium chloride IV for a client with hypokalemia, what is the most important action for the nurse?
- A. Ensure the IV is flowing freely
- B. Mix the medication thoroughly
- C. Check the client's electrolyte levels
- D. Obtain a baseline ECG
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse before administering a stat dose of potassium chloride IV to a client with hypokalemia is to ensure the IV is flowing freely. A freely flowing IV is essential to safely and effectively deliver potassium chloride, helping to prevent infusion-related issues. Checking the client's electrolyte levels or obtaining a baseline ECG may be important but are not the most critical actions before administering the medication. Mixing the medication thoroughly is not applicable in this scenario as potassium chloride is typically provided ready to use.
A client with a severe peanut allergy accidentally ingested peanut-containing food and is experiencing anaphylaxis. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer an epinephrine injection
- B. Call for immediate medical help
- C. Monitor airway, breathing, and circulation
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority action for a client experiencing anaphylaxis due to a severe peanut allergy is to administer an epinephrine injection. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it can rapidly reverse the severe allergic reaction. While calling for immediate medical help is important, administering epinephrine takes precedence because it can be life-saving in this situation. Monitoring airway, breathing, and circulation is essential in managing anaphylaxis, but administering epinephrine is the priority action to halt the progression of the allergic reaction and stabilize the client's condition. Therefore, 'Administer an epinephrine injection' is the most critical initial intervention.
What should the nurse prioritize when providing discharge instructions to a client with a new colostomy?
- A. Skin care around the stoma site
- B. The schedule for colostomy bag replacement
- C. Techniques for odor control
- D. Dietary modifications
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct answer: Skin care around the stoma site. Proper skin care around the stoma site is crucial for preventing skin irritation and infection, which are common issues for patients with new colostomies. While the schedule for colostomy bag replacement (Option B) is important, it is not the priority during initial discharge instructions. Techniques for odor control (Option C) are relevant but secondary to skin care for a new colostomy. Dietary modifications (Option D) may be discussed later but are not the priority at this stage.