A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth. The newborn has meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Determine if the newborn's mouth and nose require bulb suctioning.
Initiate skin-to-skin contact between parent and newborn.
Place the newborn under a radiant warmer.
Provide tactile stimulation for the newborn.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Suctioning the mouth and nose ensures that the airway is clear of any meconium-stained fluid, which can cause respiratory issues in the newborn if inhaled.
Choice B rationale
While skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for bonding and temperature regulation, ensuring the airway is clear is a higher immediate priority.
Choice C rationale
Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer helps maintain body temperature but is secondary to ensuring the airway is clear of meconium-stained fluid.
Choice D rationale
Tactile stimulation is important for encouraging breathing, but first ensuring the airway is clear takes precedence.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Rear-facing car seats are safer for infants and toddlers because they provide better support for their head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in rear-facing seats until they are at least 2 years old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer.
Choice B rationale
A four-point harness is not sufficient for securing a baby in a car seat. A five-point harness, which includes two shoulder straps, two hip straps, and one crotch strap, provides more secure and effective restraint for infants.
Choice C rationale
The shoulder harness should be positioned in the slots at or below the baby's shoulders, not above, to ensure proper fit and restraint. Placing the harness above the shoulders can result in improper restraint and increased risk of injury in an accident.
Choice D rationale
The correct angle for a rear-facing car seat is typically 45 degrees, not 30 degrees. A 45-degree angle ensures the baby's airway remains open, preventing the head from falling forward and potentially causing breathing difficulties.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the head of the client’s bed is not indicated in this situation and does not address the issue of excessive bleeding postpartum.
Choice B rationale
Administering terbutaline, a medication used to manage preterm labor, is not relevant in the context of postpartum hemorrhage and excessive bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Initiating oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula may help with oxygenation but does not address the primary issue of excessive postpartum bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Initiating an infusion of oxytocin is the correct action as it helps contract the uterus and reduce postpartum bleeding, making it a crucial step in managing this situation.