Which nursing diagnosis would be considered a priority for a newborn infant who is receiving phototherapy in an isolette?
- A. Hypothermia because of phototherapy treatment
- B. Impaired skin integrity related to diarrhea as a result of phototherapy
- C. Fluid volume deficit related to phototherapy treatment
- D. Knowledge deficit (parents) related to initiation of medical therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fluid volume deficit related to phototherapy treatment. Priority nursing diagnoses are based on ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Fluid volume deficit can result from phototherapy due to increased insensible water loss. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, impacting circulation and overall well-being. Hypothermia (choice A) is important but not the priority in this case. Impaired skin integrity (choice B) is a potential issue but not as critical as fluid volume deficit. Knowledge deficit (choice D) is important for parental education but not an immediate concern compared to fluid balance in the newborn.
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The postnatal nurse is providing care for a neonate being treated with phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. For which side effects of phototherapy will the nurse contact the neonatal care provider? Select all that apply.
- A. Hyperthermia
- B. Lethargy
- C. Hypocalcemia
- D. Thrombocytopenia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperthermia. During phototherapy, neonates are at risk for developing hyperthermia due to the heat generated by the lights. The nurse should contact the provider if the neonate shows signs of hyperthermia to prevent complications.
B: Lethargy is not a direct side effect of phototherapy but can be a result of other factors such as inadequate feeding or underlying medical conditions.
C: Hypocalcemia is not a common side effect of phototherapy. It is more often associated with other conditions or treatments.
D: Thrombocytopenia is not a typical side effect of phototherapy. It refers to low platelet levels and is usually not directly related to phototherapy treatment.
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.
If the neonatal nurse is suspicious of necrotizing enterocolitis in the infant, which intervention should take place first?
- A. Stop feeds
- B. Obtain a blood gas
- C. Call the practitioner
- D. Check electrolytes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stop feeds. This is the first intervention because neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious condition that requires immediate action to prevent further complications. Stopping feeds helps reduce intestinal inflammation and allows the bowel to rest. This step is crucial in managing NEC and preventing perforation. Obtaining a blood gas or checking electrolytes can provide valuable information but are not as urgent as stopping feeds. Calling the practitioner is important but should come after initiating the immediate intervention of stopping feeds.
A premature infant has been admitted to the NICU for both respiratory and nutritional support. When should the nurse begin discharge teaching to the family?
- A. after the infant has met goals of a mature breathing pattern and their percentile on the growth chart
- B. as the infant is extubated and transitioned to nasal cannula
- C. when the family shows interest in caring for their neonate independently
- D. as early as possible and throughout the admission
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because discharge teaching should start as early as possible and continue throughout the admission to ensure the family receives adequate education and support. Starting early allows for more time to address any concerns, teach necessary skills, and build confidence in caring for the premature infant. This approach promotes better outcomes for both the infant and the family.
Choice A is incorrect because waiting for the infant to meet specific goals may delay essential education and support for the family. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on a specific medical intervention rather than comprehensive teaching. Choice C is incorrect because interest alone may not indicate readiness or understanding of the care required for a premature infant.
The nurse notices that a neonate being treated for hyperbilirubinemia with phototherapy has had a daily increase of total bilirubin serum levels greater than 5 mg/dL for the past 2 days. The neonatal care provider prescribes an exchange transfusion. Which knowledge does the nurse apply to the procedure?
- A. The bilirubin indicates a severe hemolytic disease.
- B. Approximately 85% of the neonate’s RBCs are replaced.
- C. Donor RBCs are obtained from the neonate’s mother.
- D. The procedure is exclusive to pathological jaundice.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a daily increase of total bilirubin levels greater than 5 mg/dL in a neonate being treated for hyperbilirubinemia with phototherapy indicates severe hemolytic disease. This condition requires an exchange transfusion to remove excess bilirubin and replace damaged RBCs. Choice B is incorrect as the percentage of RBCs replaced during an exchange transfusion is closer to 50-60%. Choice C is incorrect as donor RBCs are typically obtained from a blood bank, not the neonate's mother. Choice D is incorrect as an exchange transfusion may be necessary for severe hyperbilirubinemia of various etiologies, not exclusively pathological jaundice.