What is the priority nursing intervention for a newborn infant diagnosed with transposition of the great vessels?
Preparing the infant for immediate surgery
Initiating feeding through a nasogastric tube
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula
Administer prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus
The Correct Answer is D
A. Preparing for immediate surgery is necessary, but the priority intervention is to ensure adequate oxygenation and blood flow through the ductus arteriosus before surgery can be performed.
B. Initiating feeding through a nasogastric tube is not a priority for an infant with this condition, as their immediate need is to address the circulatory issue rather than feeding.
C. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula may provide some relief but is not sufficient as a standalone intervention for transposition of the great vessels, which requires maintaining ductal patency to allow mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
D. Administering prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is the priority intervention, as it helps maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus, allowing for temporary stabilization of the infant’s condition until surgical intervention can be performed.
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
A. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss; therefore, it is essential for the child to eat potassium-rich foods to prevent hypokalemia.
B. Taking furosemide at bedtime is not advisable due to the increased risk of nocturia and sleep disturbances from frequent urination.
C. Aspirin is not recommended without medical guidance, especially for children, as it can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome.
D. Expecting swelling in the hands and feet contradicts the purpose of furosemide, which is to reduce fluid overload; parents should report any unexpected swelling to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Cyanosis of the lips and tongue is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta; rather, it is more associated with cyanotic congenital heart defects.
B. Weak or absent femoral pulses are expected due to reduced blood flow to the lower body, as the coarctation typically occurs distal to the left subclavian artery.
C. Bounding pulses in the upper extremities are common because the blood flow to the upper body is increased, leading to stronger pulses.
D. High blood pressure in the lower extremities is not typical; instead, there is often lower blood pressure in the lower body due to the obstruction.
E. Poor feeding and irritability are common symptoms in infants with heart conditions, as they may be in distress or not getting enough blood flow to meet their metabolic needs.