A nurse is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a newborn via a heel stick. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use to help minimize the pain of the procedure for the newborn?
- A. Apply a cool pack for 10 minutes to the heel prior to the puncture
- B. Request a prescription for IM analgesic
- C. Use a manual lancet blade to pierce the skin
- D. Place the newborn skin to skin on the mother’s chest
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Place the newborn skin to skin on the mother's chest. This technique, known as kangaroo care, helps minimize pain during procedures by providing comfort, warmth, and security to the newborn. The close physical contact with the mother can reduce stress and promote relaxation, leading to decreased perception of pain. Additionally, the release of oxytocin during skin-to-skin contact can further alleviate discomfort for the newborn.
Applying a cool pack (choice A) may actually increase pain and vasoconstriction, making the heel stick more uncomfortable. Requesting an IM analgesic (choice B) is unnecessary and may expose the newborn to unnecessary medications. Using a manual lancet blade (choice C) can be painful and may not provide the same comfort and pain relief as skin-to-skin contact.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is assessing a client who has gestational diabetes and is experiencing hyperglycemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Reports increased urinary output
- B. Diaphoresis
- C. Reports blurred vision
- D. Shallow respirations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reports increased urinary output. In hyperglycemia, the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urinary output. This is known as osmotic diuresis. Diaphoresis (B) is sweating, which is not typically associated with hyperglycemia. Blurred vision (C) is a symptom of prolonged hyperglycemia affecting the eyes but not an immediate finding. Shallow respirations (D) are not directly related to hyperglycemia.
A labor and delivery nurse suspects that a client is in the transition stage of labor. Which information supports this conclusion? The client is:
- A. walking around the unit and talking with her partner.
- B. irritable and needs frequent repetition of directions.
- C. expelling feces and the fetal head is crowning.
- D. reading a magazine and talking on the phone.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In the transition stage of labor, the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 cm. This stage is characterized by intense contractions, increased irritability, and the need for frequent repetition of directions due to the intensity of labor pain. The client being irritable and needing frequent repetition of directions indicates that she is likely in the transition stage of labor.
A: Walking around and talking with her partner is more indicative of the early stage of labor.
C: Expelling feces and the fetal head crowning are more indicative of the second stage of labor.
D: Reading a magazine and talking on the phone are not typical behaviors during the transition stage of labor.
A nurse is assessing a newborn 12 hr after birth. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Acrocyanosis
- B. Transient strabismus
- C. Jaundice
- D. Caput succedaneum
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. Jaundice in a newborn 12 hours after birth could indicate physiological jaundice, but it should still be reported to the provider for further evaluation. Jaundice can be a sign of hyperbilirubinemia, which if left untreated, can lead to complications like kernicterus. Acrocyanosis (A), transient strabismus (B), and caput succedaneum (D) are common and expected findings in newborns and do not typically require immediate reporting unless they are severe or persistent.
Which physiological change takes place during the puerperium?
- A. The endometrium begins to undergo alterations necessary for menstruation.
- B. The placenta begins to separate from the uterine wall.
- C. The uterus returns to a pre-pregnant size and location.
- D. The uterus contracts at regular intervals with dilation of the cervix occurring.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During the puerperium, the correct physiological change is that the uterus returns to a pre-pregnant size and location (Choice C). This is because after childbirth, the uterus undergoes involution, gradually decreasing in size back to its pre-pregnant state. This process involves the shedding of excess tissue and contraction of uterine muscles. The endometrium (Choice A) does not undergo alterations for menstruation until after the puerperium, as menstruation typically resumes around 6-8 weeks postpartum. The placenta (Choice B) should have been expelled completely during the third stage of labor, so it does not separate during the puerperium. The uterus does contract, but it is not at regular intervals with cervical dilation (Choice D) during the puerperium.
Two days after delivery, a postpartum client prepares for discharge. What should the nurse teach her about lochia flow?
- A. Lochia does change color but goes from lochia rubra (bright red) on days 1-3, to lochia serosa (pinkish brown) on days 4-9, to lochia alba (creamy white) days 10-21.
- B. Numerous clots are abnormal and should be reported to the physician.
- C. Saturation of the perineal pad is considered abnormal and may indicate postpartum hemorrhage.
- D. Lochia normally lasts for about 21 days, and changes from a bright red, to pinkish brown, to creamy white.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Lochia normally lasts for about 21 days, and changes from a bright red, to pinkish brown, to creamy white. This is accurate information regarding the typical progression of lochia flow postpartum. Lochia rubra is the initial discharge, followed by lochia serosa, and finally, lochia alba. This teaching is important for the client to understand what to expect in terms of postpartum bleeding.
Choice A is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the color changes of lochia. Choice B is incorrect because the presence of numerous clots is common in the immediate postpartum period and not necessarily abnormal. Choice C is incorrect as perineal pad saturation is expected initially, and significant saturation may not always indicate hemorrhage.