A nurse is caring for a newborn 4 hours after birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care to prevent jaundice?
Monitor blood glucose levels frequently.
Begin phototherapy immediately.
Initiate early feeding.
Prepare for a blood transfusion.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood glucose levels frequently is important for newborns, especially those at risk for hypoglycemia. However, it does not directly prevent jaundice. Jaundice is caused by elevated bilirubin levels, which are not directly related to blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale
Beginning phototherapy immediately is a treatment for jaundice, not a preventive measure. Phototherapy is used to reduce high bilirubin levels in newborns who already have jaundice.
Choice C rationale
Initiating early feeding is an effective way to prevent jaundice in newborns. Early feeding helps promote regular bowel movements, which aids in the excretion of bilirubin from the body, thereby reducing the risk of jaundice.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for a blood transfusion is a treatment for severe jaundice, not a preventive measure. Blood transfusions are used in cases of extreme hyperbilirubinemia that do not respond to other treatments.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Depressed fontanelles are not exclusive to premature newborns. They can occur in both premature and full-term infants and are not an indicator of prematurity.
Choice B rationale
Depressed fontanelles do not indicate infection. Infections in newborns typically present with other symptoms such as fever, irritability, and poor feeding.
Choice C rationale
Depressed fontanelles are a sign of dehydration in newborns. When a newborn is dehydrated, the fontanelles can appear sunken due to the lack of fluid in the body.
Choice D rationale
Depressed fontanelles are not a normal finding in newborns. Normally, fontanelles should be flat or slightly curved inward. A depressed fontanelle is a clinical sign that requires further evaluation and intervention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Stretching arms out and then back in is a common reflex in newborns known as the Moro reflex. It is not a sign of feeding readiness but rather a response to a sudden loss of support or a loud noise.
Choice B rationale
Turning the head toward a parent’s voice is a sign of auditory recognition and bonding, not necessarily feeding readiness. It indicates the infant’s ability to recognize familiar sounds.
Choice C rationale
Grasping a parent’s finger when placed in the infant’s palm is a primitive reflex known as the palmar grasp reflex. It is not related to feeding readiness but is a normal reflexive action in newborns.
Choice D rationale
Bringing their hand to their mouth is a sign of feeding readiness. This action indicates that the infant is hungry and ready to feed. It is an early cue that the baby is ready to eat.