what is the most critical nursing action in caring for the newborn immediately after birth
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Maternity HESI Practice Questions

1. What is the most critical action in caring for the newborn immediately after birth?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most critical action in caring for the newborn immediately after birth is keeping the airway clear. This is essential to ensure that the newborn can breathe effectively and prevent any respiratory distress. Fostering parent-newborn attachment, although important, is not the most critical action immediately after birth. Drying the newborn and wrapping the infant in a blanket is important for temperature regulation but is not as critical as maintaining a clear airway. Administering eye drops and vitamin K is typically done later and is not the most critical action immediately after birth.

2. A client has active genital herpes simplex virus type 2. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acyclovir is the antiviral medication specifically used to treat herpes simplex virus infections, including genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. Metronidazole (Choice A) is an antibiotic used for different types of infections, but not for viral infections like herpes. Penicillin (Choice B) is an antibiotic effective against bacterial infections, not viruses like herpes. Gentamicin (Choice D) is an antibiotic mainly used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like herpes.

3. A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 6 hours old and has a bedside glucometer reading of 65 mg/dL. The newborn’s mother has type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A bedside glucometer reading of 65 mg/dL is within the normal range for a newborn. Reassessing the blood glucose level prior to the next feeding ensures ongoing monitoring without unnecessary intervention. Obtaining a blood sample for a serum glucose level (Choice A) is not necessary as the initial reading is normal. Feeding the newborn immediately (Choice B) may not be indicated and could lead to unnecessary interventions. Administering dextrose solution IV (Choice C) is not warranted as the glucose level is within the normal range and does not require immediate correction.

4. A newborn with a respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute at one minute after birth is demonstrating cyanosis of the hands and feet. What action should a nurse take?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cyanosis of the hands and feet, known as acrocyanosis, is common in newborns shortly after birth and usually resolves on its own. It is not indicative of a need for immediate intervention. Therefore, the appropriate action is to continue monitoring the newborn's condition. Assessing bowel sounds (Choice A) is not relevant to the presenting issue of cyanosis and respiratory rate. Assisting with intubation (Choice C) is an invasive procedure that is not warranted based on the information provided. Rubbing the infant's back (Choice D) is not necessary for acrocyanosis and could potentially disturb the newborn.

5. The healthcare provider is planning care for a client at 30 weeks gestation who is experiencing preterm labor. Which medication is most important in preventing this fetus from developing respiratory distress syndrome?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to stimulate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. Ampicillin (Choice A) is an antibiotic and does not prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Terbutaline (Choice C) is a tocolytic used to inhibit contractions and does not directly prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Butorphanol tartrate (Choice D) is an opioid analgesic and does not have a role in preventing respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.

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