A nurse is caring for a newborn and observes signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor the newborn's blood pressure.
Obtain blood glucose by heel stick.
Place the newborn in a radiant warmer.
Initiate phototherapy.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the newborn's blood pressure does not directly address symptoms like diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. These symptoms indicate an immediate need to check blood glucose levels for hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining blood glucose by heel stick is the correct step because diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy in a newborn are classic signs of hypoglycemia. Timely detection and correction of blood glucose levels are critical.
Choice C rationale
Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer might help maintain body temperature but does not address the root cause of the symptoms, which is likely hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Initiating phototherapy is used to treat jaundice (high bilirubin levels) and is not indicated for managing symptoms of hypoglycemia like diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placenta formation begins shortly after implantation, but it continues to develop throughout the first trimester and into the early second trimester, making it less precise to attribute the
first 8 weeks solely to this process.
Choice B rationale
Fertilization occurs within the first week after ovulation, marking the beginning of pregnancy, but it is a singular event that happens prior to the developmental processes vulnerable to teratogens.
Choice C rationale
Organogenesis is the critical period during which the major organs and structures of the fetus form, typically occurring between the third and eighth weeks of gestation. This is the
time when the fetus is most susceptible to the effects of teratogens, which can cause congenital anomalies.
Choice D rationale
Implantation occurs approximately 6-10 days after fertilization, embedding the blastocyst into the uterine lining. While crucial, it is not the primary period when teratogenic effects are
most significant, as this happens during organogenesis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Blue coloring of the hands and feet in an 8-hour-old newborn (acrocyanosis) is a common, benign finding as the newborn’s circulatory system adjusts post-birth. It does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Small raised pearly spots on the nose (milia) are harmless and common in newborns. They do not necessitate any intervention.
Choice C rationale
An apical heart rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range for newborns and does not require intervention.
Choice D rationale
Nasal flaring and grunting are signs of respiratory distress in a newborn. This condition demands immediate intervention to ensure the newborn’s airway is clear and breathing is adequately supported.