What is an important nursing intervention for a full-term infant receiving phototherapy?
- A. Observing for signs of dehydration
- B. Using sunscreen to protect the infants skin
- C. Keeping the infant diapered to collect frequent stools
- D. Informing the mother why breastfeeding must be discontinued
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dehydration is a potential risk of phototherapy. The nurse monitors hydration status to be alert for the need for more frequent feedings and supplemental fluid administration. Lotions are not used; they may contribute to a frying effect. The infant should be placed nude under the lights and should be repositioned frequently to expose all body surfaces to the lights. Breastfeeding is encouraged. Intermittent phototherapy may be as effective as continuous therapy. The advantage to the mother and father of being able to hold their infant outweighs the concerns related to clearance.
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Which term is defined as a vaguely outlined area of edematous tissue situated over the portion of the scalp that presents in a vertex delivery?
- A. Hydrocephalus
- B. Cephalhematoma
- C. Caput succedaneum
- D. Subdural hematoma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Caput succedaneum is defined as a vaguely outlined area of edematous tissue situated over the portion of the scalp that presents in a vertex delivery. The swelling consists of serum or blood (or both) accumulated in the tissues above the bone, and it may extend beyond the bone margin. Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance in production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. When production exceeds absorption, fluid accumulates within the ventricular system, causing dilation of the ventricles. A cephalhematoma has sharply demarcated boundaries that do not extend beyond the limits of the (bone) suture line. A subdural hematoma is located between the dura and the cerebrum. It should not be visible on the scalp.
A newborn has been diagnosed with brachial nerve paralysis. The nurse should assist the breastfeeding mother to use which hold or position during feeding?
- A. Reclining
- B. The cradle hold
- C. The football hold
- D. The cross-over hold
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In brachial nerve paralysis, the affected arm is gently immobilized on the upper abdomen. Tucking the newborn under the arm (football hold) puts less pressure on the newborns affected extremity. The other positions place the newborns body next to the mothers and can cause pressure on the affected arm.
A woman who is Rh-negative is pregnant with her first child, and her husband is Rh positive. During her 12-week prenatal visit, she tells the nurse that she has been told that this is dangerous. What should the nurse tell her?
- A. That no treatment is necessary
- B. That an exchange transfusion will be necessary at birth
- C. That no treatment is available until the infant is born
- D. That administration of Rh immunoglobulin is indicated at 26 to 28 weeks of gestation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The goal is to prevent isoimmunization. If the mother has not been previously exposed to the Rh-negative antigen, Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) is administered at 26 to 28 weeks of gestation and again within 72 hours of birth. The intramuscular administration of RhIg has virtually eliminated hemolytic disease of the infant secondary to the Rh factor. Unless other problems coexist, the newborn will not require transfusions at birth.
What is an infant with severe jaundice at risk for developing?
- A. Encephalopathy
- B. Bullous impetigo
- C. Respiratory distress
- D. Blood incompatibility
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Unconjugated bilirubin, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, is highly toxic to neurons. An infant with severe jaundice is at risk for developing kernicterus or bilirubin encephalopathy. Bullous impetigo is a highly infectious bacterial infection of the skin. It has no relation to severe jaundice. A blood incompatibility may be the causative factor for the severe jaundice.
The parents of a newborn ask the nurse what caused the babys facial nerve paralysis. The nurses response is based on remembering that this is caused by what?
- A. Birth injury
- B. Genetic defect
- C. Spinal cord injury
- D. Inborn error of metabolism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pressure on the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) during delivery may result in injury to the nerve. Genetic defects, spinal cord injuries, and inborn errors of metabolism did not cause the facial nerve paralysis. The paralysis usually disappears in a few days but may take as long as several months.
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