when is it most appropriate to clamp and cut the umbilical cord

ATI LPN

LPN Pediatrics

1. When is it MOST appropriate to clamp and cut the umbilical cord?

A. Before the newborn has taken its first breath
B. After the placenta has completely delivered
C. As soon as the cord has stopped pulsating
D. Immediately following delivery of the newborn

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The ideal time to clamp and cut the umbilical cord is when it has stopped pulsating. This allows for the transfer of remaining blood from the placenta to the newborn, which can be beneficial for the baby's health and iron stores. Clamping the cord too early can deprive the newborn of this essential blood volume. Waiting for the pulsations to cease ensures that the baby receives the maximum benefits from delayed cord clamping.

2. 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.

3. You have just delivered a baby girl. Your assessment of the newborn reveals that she has a patent airway, is breathing adequately, and has a heart rate of 130 beats/min. Her face and trunk are pink, but her hands and feet are cyanotic. You have clamped and cut the umbilical cord, but the placenta has not yet delivered. You should:

A. reassess the newborn every 5 minutes and transport after the placenta delivers.
B. keep the newborn warm, give oxygen to the mother if needed, and transport.
C. massage the lower part of the mother's uterus until the placenta delivers.
D. give the newborn high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and transport.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate action is to keep the newborn warm, ensure the mother receives oxygen if needed, and prepare for transport. The newborn is showing signs of central cyanosis (hands and feet being cyanotic), which can be due to various reasons, including inadequate oxygenation. Therefore, ensuring warmth and possible oxygen to the mother are important. Additionally, monitoring both the mother and baby during transport is crucial for their well-being.

4. Which of the following drinks is recommended for reconstituting oral rehydration salts?

A. Water
B. Fruit juice
C. Soda
D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Water. Water is the ideal fluid to reconstitute oral rehydration salts because it helps in proper hydration without adding unnecessary sugars or acidity that may be present in fruit juice or soda. Using water ensures the salts are properly dissolved and can effectively rehydrate the individual. Choices B and C are incorrect because fruit juice and soda may contain sugars or acidity that can interfere with the rehydration process and are not recommended for reconstituting oral rehydration salts.

5. Which of the following is not a clinical type of diarrhea?

A. Acute diarrhea
B. Bloody diarrhea
C. Persistent diarrhea
D. Secretory diarrhea

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bloody diarrhea is not typically classified as a clinical type of diarrhea. The clinical types of diarrhea commonly include acute, persistent, and secretory diarrhea, which are characterized by different mechanisms and durations. Bloody diarrhea usually indicates the presence of blood in the stool, which can be a sign of various underlying conditions but is not a specific clinical type of diarrhea.