A nurse is planning care for a newborn who was exposed to active genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) during birth.
Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse anticipate?
Institute droplet precautions.
Administer ceftriaxone sodium.
Inform the client they should bottlefeed the newborn.
Obtain surface cultures from the newborn
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Instituting droplet precautions is not necessary for herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids or lesions, not through respiratory droplets.
Choice B rationale
Administering ceftriaxone sodium is not appropriate for HSV. Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, whereas HSV is a viral infection and requires antiviral treatment.
Choice C rationale
Informing the client they should bottlefeed the newborn is not necessary. Mothers with HSV can breastfeed as long as there are no herpetic lesions on the breast. Proper hand hygiene and preventive measures should be taken to avoid transmission.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining surface cultures from the newborn is the appropriate action. This helps in detecting the presence of HSV and initiating antiviral treatment if necessary. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing severe complications associated with neonatal HSV infection.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Repeating the CST isn't necessary with a negative result, which indicates no significant uterine contractions affecting the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Administering an IV fluid bolus is not warranted by a negative CST result.
Choice C rationale
Preparing for a cesarean birth isn't necessary since a negative CST indicates no immediate fetal distress.
Choice D rationale
A negative CST indicates that there are no late decelerations, so the nurse should allow the labor to progress naturally.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.