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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Given the neonate’s symptoms and critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), the most urgent action is to address the hypoglycemia. Therefore, the nurse shouldadminister a bolus of intravenous glucose (Option A). This immediate intervention is crucial to stabilize the neonate and prevent further complications associated with hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
While monitoring blood glucose levels is important, waiting 30 minutes to reassess without immediate intervention could allow the hypoglycemia to worsen, potentially leading to severe complications such as seizures or brain damage. Immediate treatment is necessary to stabilize the neonate.
Choice C rationale
Although feeding can help increase blood glucose levels, the neonate’s current symptoms (jitteriness, poor feeding, weak cry, and irritability) suggest that they may not be able to effectively feed. Additionally, the blood glucose level is critically low and requires more rapid correction than feeding alone can provide.
Choice D rationale
While maintaining an appropriate body temperature is important, the neonate’s temperature (36.1°C) is not critically low. The primary concern here is the hypoglycemia, which needs to be addressed immediately. Placing the neonate under a radiant warmer does not directly address the low blood glucose level.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Newborns are not born with fully developed immune responses. Their immune system is immature and continues to develop after birth. They rely on maternal antibodies for initial protection.
Choice B rationale
Newborns do not have a mature gut microbiome immediately after birth. The gut microbiome develops over time and is influenced by factors such as breastfeeding and exposure to the environment.
Choice C rationale
Newborns do not rely solely on their innate immune system. They receive passive immunity from maternal antibodies transferred through the placenta and colostrum, which provides initial protection against infections.
Choice D rationale
Newborns receive passive immunity through the placenta and colostrum, but their own immune system is not fully functional until several months of age. This passive immunity helps protect them from infections during the early months of life.