The purpose of surfactant is to?
- A. Provide a heat source for the newborn.
- B. Assist the alveoli to remain open.
- C. Assist the ductus arteriosus to remain open.
- D. Provide energy to the newborn.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, preventing collapse and aiding gas exchange, critical for newborn respiration.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about phenylketonuria (PKU) testing with the parent of a newborn. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. My baby will be placed under special lights if the test is elevated.
- B. My baby must take formula or breast milk before the test is done.
- C. This test checks for a genetic disorder that can be corrected by diet.
- D. Sometimes the test is repeated in the doctor's office at the 2-week check-up.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The statement about special lights confuses PKU with jaundice treatment; PKU requires dietary management, not phototherapy.
A nurse is caring for a newborn who is formula-fed. The newborn takes 0.5 oz of formula at 0800, 1 oz at 1100, 0.5 oz at 1300, 0.5 oz at 1600, and 0.5 oz at 1830. How many mL of formula should the nurse record as the client's intake for the shift?
- A. 15 mL.
- B. 30 mL.
- C. 45 mL.
- D. 60 mL.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Total intake is 3 oz (0.5 + 1 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5), equaling 90 mL (1 oz ≈ 30 mL), but D (60 mL) is per document.
A nurse in the newborn nursery is receiving a report on four newborns. Which of the following newborns should the nurse see first?
- A. A newborn who is 8 hr old and has acrocyanosis.
- B. A newborn who is 18 hr old and has not voided.
- C. A newborn who is 24 hr old and has not passed meconium.
- D. A newborn who is 12 hr old and has an axillary temperature of 37.8°C (100° F).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A temperature of 37.8°C may indicate infection, requiring immediate assessment, unlike the other less urgent findings.
A nurse is caring for a newborn who is at 34 weeks of gestation, weighs 1,550 g, and has nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, expiratory grunting, and mild cyanosis. The nurse should place the newborn in an incubator for which of the following reasons?
- A. The newborn's temperature control mechanism is immature.
- B. Heat increases the flow of oxygen to the newborn's extremities.
- C. The newborn has a small body surface for his weight.
- D. Heat facilitates the drainage of mucus for a premature newborn.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Premature newborns have immature thermoregulation, making an incubator essential to maintain body temperature and prevent cold stress.
A mother who is holding her 2-hour-old newborn says, 'I don't think she likes breastfeeding, but last time, when we were in the delivery room, she did really well.' Which is the nurse's best response?
- A. Your milk isn't in yet. That is why she acts disinterested in eating.
- B. Let me help you get her to latch on. Once she takes hold, she'll be fine.
- C. After birth, babies go into a deep sleep, but when she wakes up, she'll be hungry.
- D. You just need to wake her up so she'll be alert and ready to eat.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assisting with latching addresses breastfeeding difficulties directly, promoting effective feeding.