Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a preterm newborn who is in an incubator to maintain a neutral thermal environment. The father of the newborn asks the nurse why this is necessary. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Preterm newborns have a smaller body surface area than normal newborns.
• B. The added brown fat layer in a preterm newborn reduces his ability to generate heat.
• C. Preterm newborns lack adequate temperature control mechanisms.
• D. The heat in the incubator rapidly dries the sweat of preterm newborns.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because preterm newborns have immature temperature regulation mechanisms, making it difficult for them to maintain their body temperature. An incubator helps maintain a stable thermal environment. Choice A is incorrect as the body surface area is not the primary reason for needing an incubator. Choice B is incorrect because brown fat in preterm newborns actually helps generate heat. Choice D is incorrect as the purpose of the incubator is not to dry sweat but to regulate the newborn's temperature.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a newborn via a heel stick. Which of the following techniques should the professional use to help minimize the pain of the procedure for the newborn?

• A. Apply a cool pack to the heel for 10 minutes prior to the puncture.
• B. Request a prescription for IM analgesic.
• C. Use a manual lancet to pierce the skin.
• D. Place the newborn skin-to-skin on the mother's chest.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing the newborn skin-to-skin on the mother's chest is an effective technique to significantly decrease the newborn's pain level and anxiety during a heel stick procedure. This approach provides comfort, warmth, and familiarity to the newborn, promoting a sense of security and reducing distress. It is important for the healthcare professional to implement this technique before, during, and after the procedure to optimize pain management and support newborn well-being. The other options, such as applying a cool pack, requesting an IM analgesic prescription, and using a manual lancet, are not appropriate for minimizing pain in a newborn during a heel stick procedure. Applying a cool pack may cause vasoconstriction and increase pain, requesting an IM analgesic for a routine heel stick is excessive, and using a manual lancet without additional comforting measures may not adequately address the newborn's pain and anxiety.

3. A client who is at 6 weeks of gestation is being educated about common discomforts of pregnancy. Which of the following findings should the individual include? (Select all that apply)

• A. Breast tenderness
• B. Urinary frequency
• C. Epistaxis
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During early pregnancy, common discomforts include breast tenderness due to hormonal changes, urinary frequency caused by increased blood flow to the kidneys, and epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to increased blood volume and hormonal changes. Educating the client about these discomforts helps them understand what to expect during this stage. Choice D, 'All of the above,' is the correct answer because all the listed findings are common discomforts experienced during early pregnancy. Choices A, B, and C are individually correct as well, as breast tenderness, urinary frequency, and epistaxis are all common discomforts that pregnant individuals may encounter.

4. A client in the delivery room just delivered a newborn, and the nurse is planning to promote parent-infant bonding. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Encourage the parents to touch and explore the newborn's features
• B. Limit noise and interruptions in the delivery room
• C. Place the newborn at the client's breast
• D. Position the newborn skin-to-skin on the client's chest

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Positioning the newborn skin-to-skin on the client's chest is the priority action to promote warmth, regulate the newborn's heart rate and breathing, and enhance parent-infant bonding. This method facilitates early bonding, stabilizes the baby's temperature, and encourages breastfeeding initiation. Encouraging parents to touch and explore the newborn's features is important but not the priority at this moment. Limiting noise and interruptions can be beneficial but not as crucial as skin-to-skin contact for bonding. Placing the newborn at the client's breast is essential for breastfeeding but should come after the initial skin-to-skin contact for bonding and temperature regulation.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer prophylactic eye ointment to a newborn to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum. Which of the following medications should the healthcare professional anticipate administering?

• A. Ofloxacin
• B. Nystatin
• C. Erythromycin
• D. Ceftriaxone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Erythromycin eye ointment is the medication of choice for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum, an eye infection in newborns caused by exposure to gonorrhea or chlamydia during birth. Erythromycin helps prevent the transmission of these bacteria from the mother to the baby during delivery, protecting the newborn's eyes from potential infection. Ofloxacin, Nystatin, and Ceftriaxone are not indicated for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum. Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for treating eye infections in adults, Nystatin is an antifungal medication used for fungal infections, and Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic used for various bacterial infections, but not for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum.

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