What is the most appropriate action to prevent heat loss in a newborn immediately after birth?
- A. Place the newborn in an incubator
- B. Bathe the newborn right away
- C. Dry the newborn thoroughly
- D. Feed the newborn
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drying the newborn thoroughly is the most appropriate action to prevent heat loss immediately after birth. This helps to prevent heat loss through evaporation, which is crucial in maintaining the newborn's body temperature. Placing the newborn in an incubator can be a secondary step after ensuring the baby is dry. Bathing the newborn right away is not recommended as it can lead to further heat loss through evaporation. Feeding the newborn is important but not an immediate action to prevent heat loss; ensuring the baby is dry and warm takes precedence.
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The healthcare provider is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn's umbilical cord. Which instruction should be included?
- A. Keep the cord dry and exposed to air
- B. Clean the cord with alcohol at every diaper change
- C. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing
- D. Submerge the cord in water during baths
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Keeping the umbilical cord dry and exposed to air is the correct instruction because it promotes faster healing. Moisture can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the cord with alcohol at every diaper change or covering it with a sterile dressing can actually impede the healing process by preventing airflow. Submerging the cord in water during baths is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and increase the risk of infection.
A postpartum client is concerned about hair loss. The nurse explains that this is:
- A. A sign of nutritional deficiency
- B. A temporary condition due to hormonal changes
- C. An indication of a thyroid disorder
- D. A result of poor hair care during pregnancy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hair loss postpartum is a common temporary condition caused by hormonal changes that occur after giving birth. This condition is known as postpartum alopecia and is a normal part of the postpartum period. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that this hair loss is temporary and usually resolves on its own without the need for medical intervention. Choice A is incorrect because postpartum hair loss is primarily due to hormonal changes rather than nutritional deficiency. Choice C is incorrect as thyroid disorder is not typically the cause of postpartum hair loss. Choice D is incorrect as poor hair care during pregnancy does not cause postpartum hair loss.
Before drying off the newborn after birth, which assessment finding should the healthcare professional document to ensure an accurate gestational rating on the Ballard gestational assessment tool?
- A. Amount and area of vernix coverage
- B. Creases on the sole
- C. Size of the areola
- D. Body surface temperature
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To ensure an accurate gestational rating on the Ballard gestational assessment tool, healthcare professionals should document the amount and area of vernix coverage before drying the newborn. Drying the baby after birth could disturb the vernix, potentially affecting the gestational age assessment. Assessing and documenting the vernix coverage beforehand enables a more precise evaluation using the Ballard gestational assessment tool. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to gestational rating on the Ballard assessment tool.
The healthcare provider is assessing a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Acrocyanosis
- B. Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute
- C. Grunting with nasal flaring
- D. Heart rate of 140 beats per minute
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grunting with nasal flaring is a concerning sign of respiratory distress in a newborn that can indicate inadequate oxygenation. This finding requires immediate intervention to ensure the newborn's respiratory status is stabilized and to prevent further complications. Prompt assessment and appropriate intervention are crucial in such cases to prevent respiratory compromise and potential deterioration. Acrocyanosis, which is bluish discoloration of the extremities, is a common finding in newborns and usually resolves on its own. A respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 140 beats per minute are within normal ranges for a newborn and do not indicate immediate intervention is needed.
When assessing a newborn for jaundice, which area should be examined?
- A. Legs and feet
- B. Chest and abdomen
- C. Face and sclera
- D. Back and buttocks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When assessing a newborn for jaundice, the healthcare provider should examine the face and sclera. Jaundice is often first noticeable in these areas due to the buildup of bilirubin, causing a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Examining the legs and feet (Choice A) is not the most appropriate area for identifying jaundice in newborns. Similarly, the chest and abdomen (Choice B) are not the primary areas where jaundice is usually observed. Checking the back and buttocks (Choice D) is also not as useful as examining the face and sclera when assessing for jaundice in newborns.