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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (also known as amniotic fluid embolism) occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the mother's bloodstream, triggering
a serious reaction. It can cause sudden shortness of breath, cardiovascular collapse, and other severe symptoms immediately after a rupture of membranes and is a rare but critical
obstetrical emergency.
Choice B rationale
Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which leads to bleeding and potential fetal and maternal distress. However, it does not
typically present with sudden cardiorespiratory collapse or shortness of breath immediately following membrane rupture.
Choice C rationale
Uterine rupture refers to a tear in the wall of the uterus, usually due to trauma, labor stress, or previous surgical scars. While it is a severe condition, it usually presents with
abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and fetal distress rather than sudden respiratory failure.
Choice D rationale
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition affecting blood clotting processes, often secondary to other conditions like severe preeclampsia, sepsis, or trauma. It
generally presents with bleeding and clotting issues but not sudden respiratory or cardiovascular collapse.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Uterine atony is a common complication following polyhydramnios because the excessive amniotic fluid can lead to uterine overdistension, which in turn can cause poor uterine
muscle tone and increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein with clot formation, but it is not directly associated with polyhydramnios.
Choice C rationale
Postpartum preeclampsia is high blood pressure and signs of organ damage after delivery, but there is no direct link between polyhydramnios and this condition.
Choice D rationale
Retained placental fragments can lead to postpartum hemorrhage but are not specifically associated with polyhydramnios.