In caring for the preterm infant, which complication is thought to be a result of high arterial blood oxygen level?
- A. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
- B. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
- C. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)
- D. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). High arterial blood oxygen levels can lead to IVH in preterm infants due to increased cerebral blood flow and disruption of immature blood vessels in the brain. This can cause bleeding into the brain's ventricles. NEC (A) is more associated with feeding issues, ROP (B) with high oxygen levels, and BPD (D) with prolonged use of mechanical ventilation.
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Which patient should be assessed first?
- A. Infant with a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL, maternal history of gestational diabetes
- B. Infant who is plotted on the growth chart between the 75th and 85th percentile for weight and length and the 50th percentile for head circumference
- C. Infant born at 42 weeks gestation to 40-year-old mother who was otherwise healthy during pregnancy and at the time of delivery
- D. Infant born at 38 weeks gestation with a green stain and bruising noted on initial assessment at delivery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. An infant with a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL and a maternal history of gestational diabetes should be assessed first to rule out hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening in newborns. Hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, brain damage, or even death if not promptly treated. Infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at higher risk for hypoglycemia due to their own insulin production in response to high maternal glucose levels. Therefore, immediate assessment and intervention are crucial.
Choice B is incorrect because growth parameters within normal ranges do not indicate an immediate need for assessment. Choice C is also incorrect as the mother's age and gestational age do not necessarily indicate an urgent need for assessment. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of a green stain and bruising may indicate meconium aspiration syndrome, but hypoglycemia poses a more immediate threat to the infant's health.
Which is the most common etiology for pathological jaundice in an infant?
- A. ABO incompatibility
- B. Physiological
- C. Inherited pathology
- D. Birth trauma
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: ABO incompatibility. This is the most common etiology for pathological jaundice in an infant because it occurs when the baby's blood type is incompatible with the mother's, leading to the destruction of the baby's red blood cells and subsequent release of bilirubin, causing jaundice. Physiological jaundice (B) is common but typically resolves on its own without treatment. Inherited pathologies (C) such as genetic conditions may cause jaundice, but they are less common than ABO incompatibility. Birth trauma (D) can lead to jaundice in rare cases, but it is not the most common etiology.
The nurse is providing support to parents of a premature neonate in NICU. Which actions by the nurse will best provide psychosocial support to the parents? Select all that apply.
- A. Assess the parents’ ability to care for their neonate.
- B. Ask the parents how they are coping with the experience.
- C. Provide equipment for breast pumping and storage of milk.
- D. Provide equipment for breast pumping and storage of milk.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Asking the parents how they are coping with the experience is crucial for providing psychosocial support. This action shows empathy, encourages open communication, and helps the nurse understand the parents' emotional state. By actively listening, the nurse can offer appropriate support and resources.
Assessing the parents' ability to care for their neonate (Choice A) is important but does not directly address their psychosocial needs. Providing equipment for breast pumping and storage of milk (Choices C and D) is more focused on the physical aspects of care rather than the emotional support needed by the parents.
The nurses in a NICU are concerned about the appropriate levels of oxygen therapy during the care of premature neonates. The nurses referenced an article by Newman (2014) titled, “Oxygen Saturation Limits and Evidence supporting the Targets.” On which evidence-based conclusion will the nurses develop guidelines?
- A. Oxygen saturation limits of 85% to 89% are effective.
- B. Oxygen saturation rates of 91% to 95% are effective.
- C. Infants are within saturation limits about 75% of the time.
- D. Oxygen saturation limits need to be between 87% to 94%.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Oxygen saturation rates of 91% to 95% are effective. This range is supported by the article by Newman (2014) as the optimal oxygen saturation levels for premature neonates. Here's the rationale:
1. The range of 91% to 95% falls within the typical target range for oxygen saturation in premature neonates, ensuring adequate oxygenation without the risk of hyperoxia or hypoxia.
2. Maintaining oxygen saturation within this range has been shown to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications in premature neonates.
3. The article by Newman likely provides evidence-based research supporting this specific range as the most effective for neonatal care.
In summary, choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the evidence-based optimal oxygen saturation range for premature neonates as supported by the referenced article.
A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?
- A. The drug keeps your infant from requiring too much sedation.
- B. Surfactant improves the ability of your infant’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- C. Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic tachycardia.
- D. Your infant needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because artificial surfactant improves the ability of the infant's lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse and helping with gas exchange. This explanation directly relates to the purpose of surfactant therapy in treating RDS. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the mechanism or purpose of surfactant therapy. Choice A is incorrect as surfactant does not affect sedation needs, choice C is incorrect as surfactant is not used to address tachycardia, and choice D is incorrect as surfactant is not used to treat respiratory tract infections.