ATI Exit Exam Related

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A nurse is preparing to assess a 2-week-old newborn. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

  • A. Obtain the newborn's body temperature using a tympanic thermometer
  • B. Pull the pinna of the infant's ear forward before inserting the probe
  • C. Auscultate the newborn's apical pulse for 60 seconds
  • D. Measure the newborn's head circumference over the eyebrows and below the occipital prominence
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Auscultate the newborn's apical pulse for 60 seconds. When assessing a newborn, it is essential to auscultate the apical pulse for a full 60 seconds to accurately determine their heart rate. This method allows for a more precise measurement, considering the variability in heart rates in newborns. Choice A is incorrect because tympanic thermometers are not typically used for newborns due to their ear canals being small and not fully developed. Choice B is incorrect as pulling the pinna forward is not necessary for assessing the apical pulse. Choice D is incorrect as measuring head circumference involves a different assessment and is not relevant to determining the heart rate of a newborn.