Which rationale is true regarding jaundice in newborns?
- A. Jaundice can result in a newborn when the mother and newborn have the same blood type.
- B. A mother who breastfeeds her newborn who develops jaundice may have to begin formula temporarily.
- C. Bilirubin levels will drop in newborns who have jaundice and may cause brain abnormalities.
- D. Keeping a newborn with jaundice below 98.7°F is essential in lowering bilirubin levels.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Breast milk jaundice is a common cause of jaundice in newborns due to a substance in breast milk that can increase bilirubin levels.
Step 2: Switching to formula temporarily can help resolve the issue as formula-fed babies have lower incidences of jaundice.
Step 3: This is supported by medical guidelines recommending temporary cessation of breastfeeding in cases of severe jaundice.
Summary:
A: Blood type compatibility does not directly cause jaundice in newborns.
C: Bilirubin levels need to be monitored and managed in newborns with jaundice to prevent brain damage.
D: Maintaining a specific temperature is not the primary method of managing jaundice in newborns.
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A 3-month-old has pulled out their NG tube at home, and the mother is now speaking with the on-call nurse. What recommendation should the nurse provide her?
- A. drive the infant to the nearest ER
- B. Call 911 and wait for EMS to arrive
- C. attempt to replace the NG tube yourself following discharge training
- D. feed the infant by mouth as there is not an NG tube to use
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the mother was trained on NG tube replacement. This knowledge ensures proper technique and reduces the risk of injury. Driving to the ER or calling 911 may waste time, and feeding by mouth without the NG tube is not safe. Replacing the NG tube at home is the most efficient and appropriate course of action in this scenario.
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.
An infant weight is documented as being in the 90th percentile. What does the RN understand about this measurement?
- A. The infant’s weight is appropriate or average.
- B. The 90th percentile indicates LGA.
- C. Infants in the 90th percentile will be overweight as adults.
- D. The infant’s weight is less than 90% of all other infants’ weights.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because being in the 90th percentile for weight as an infant does not necessarily mean the weight is appropriate or average (choice A) or that the infant is LGA (choice B). Choice D is incorrect because being in the 90th percentile means the infant's weight is greater than 90% of other infants, not less. Choice C is correct because research shows that infants in the 90th percentile for weight are more likely to be overweight as adults due to potential genetic factors and lifestyle habits developed early in life.
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.
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.