A nurse is planning to obtain a blood specimen from a newborn via a heel stick.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Cool the newborn's heel prior to the procedure.
Puncture the center of the newborn's heel.
Cleanse the puncture site with alcohol gauze prior to the procedure.
Administer vitamin K 30 minutes prior to each blood draw.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Cooling the newborn’s heel would constrict blood vessels and make it more difficult to obtain a blood sample. Warming the heel is the preferred method to increase blood flow.
Choice B rationale
Puncturing the center of the newborn’s heel is not recommended as it could cause more pain and potential injury to the bone. The puncture should be done on the outer edges of the heel.
Choice C rationale
Cleansing the puncture site with alcohol gauze is essential to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that the sample is not contaminated.
Choice D rationale
Administering vitamin K before each blood draw is unnecessary. Vitamin K is typically given as a one-time dose to prevent bleeding issues, not related to blood draw procedures.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 12/min indicates that the respiratory depression caused by magnesium sulfate toxicity has been effectively reversed by calcium gluconate. Normal respiratory rate in adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Choice B rationale
Absent deep tendon reflexes indicate ongoing magnesium sulfate toxicity. Calcium gluconate administration should restore normal reflexes, not cause their absence.
Choice C rationale
Slurred speech is a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity. Effective treatment with calcium gluconate should improve neurological function and resolve symptoms like slurred speech.
Choice D rationale
A urine output of 22 mL/hr is below the normal range and suggests renal impairment or ongoing toxicity. Effective treatment should result in an increase in urine output to within the normal range (greater than 30 mL/hr).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Meconium stools are common in newborns and not a concern in the context of weight loss.
Choice B rationale
Depressed fontanels can indicate dehydration in a newborn, which is critical, especially with significant weight loss.
Choice C rationale
Rust-stained urine is often due to urate crystals and is typical in newborns, not specifically alarming.
Choice D rationale
Overlapping suture lines can be a normal finding in a newborn's head and not indicative of an acute problem relating to weight loss.