HESI CAT Related

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A newborn whose mother is HIV positive is admitted to the nursery from labor and delivery. Which action should the nurse implement first?

  • A. Initiate treatment with zidovudine (ZDV) syrup at 2 mg per kg
  • B. Bathe the infant with dilute chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or soap
  • C. Measure and record the infant's frontal-occipital circumference
  • D. Administer vitamin K (AquaMEPHYTON) IM in the vastus lateralis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a newborn potentially exposed to HIV is to bathe the infant with dilute chlorhexidine or soap. This helps reduce the risk of infection. Initiating treatment with zidovudine would be important but not the first priority. Measuring and recording the infant's frontal-occipital circumference and administering vitamin K are important tasks but are not the priority when dealing with potential HIV exposure. Immediate hygiene measures are crucial to minimize the risk of transmission.