Chapter 23
The nurse is assessing a preterm newborn who is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for signs and symptoms of overstimulation. Which of the following would the nurse be least likely to assess? A) Increased respirations B) Flaying hands C) Periods of apnea D) Decreased heart rate
Ans: A Feedback: Conversely, overstimulation may have negative effects by reducing oxygenation and causing stress. A newborn reacts to stress by flaying the hands or bringing an arm up to cover the face. When overstimulated, such as by noise, lights, excessive handling, alarms, and procedures, and stressed, heart and respiratory rates decrease and periods of apnea or bradycardia may occur.
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a preterm infant experiencing respiratory distress. Which of the following would the nurse be least likely to include in this plan? A) Stimulate the infant with frequent handling. B) Keep the newborn in a warmed isolette. C) Administer oxygen using an oxygen hood. D) Give gavage or continuous tube feedings.
Ans: A Feedback: For the preterm infant experiencing respiratory distress, the nurse would expect to handle the newborn as little as possible to reduce oxygen requirements. Other appropriate interventions include keeping the infant warm, preferably in a warmed isolette to conserve the baby's energy and prevent cold stress; administer oxygen using an oxygen hood; and provide energy through calories via intravenous dextrose or gavage or continuous tube feedings to prevent hypoglycemia.
The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a newborn born 2 hours ago. The nurse notes that the newborn was delivered at 35 weeks' gestation. The nurse would classify this newborn as which of the following? A) Preterm B) Late preterm C) Full term D) Postterm
Ans: B Feedback: A late preterm infant is one born between 34 to 36 6/7 weeks of gestation. A preterm infant is one born before 37 completed weeks' gestation. A full-term infant is one born between 38 to 41 weeks' gestation. A postterm newborn is one born at 42 weeks' gestation or later.
When describing newborns with birth-weight variations to a group of nursing students, the instructor identifies which variation if the newborn weighs 5.2 lb at any gestational age? A) Small for gestational age B) Low birth weight C) Very low birth weight D) Extremely low birth weight
Ans: B Feedback: A low-birth-weight newborn weighs less than 5.5 lb (2,500 g) but more than 3 lb 5 oz. A very-low-birth-weight newborn would weigh less than 3 lb 5 oz but more than 2 lb 3 oz (1,000 g). An extremely-low-birth-weight newborn weighs less than 2 lb 3 oz (1,000g). A small-for-gestational-age newborn typically weighs less than 5 lb 8 oz (2,500 g) at term.
The parents of a preterm newborn being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are coming to visit for the first time. The newborn is receiving mechanical ventilation and intravenous fluids and medications and is being monitored electronically by various devices. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) Suggest that the parents stay for just a few minutes to reduce their anxiety. B) Reassure them that their newborn is progressing well. C) Encourage the parents to touch their preterm newborn. D) Discuss the care they will be giving the newborn upon discharge.
Ans: C Feedback: The NICU environment can be overwhelming. Therefore, the nurse should address their reactions and explain all the equipment being used. On entering the NICU, the nurse should encourage the parents to touch, interact, and hold their newborn. Doing so helps to acquaint the parents with their newborn, promotes self-confidence, and fosters parent-newborn attachment. The parents should be allowed to stay for as long as they feel comfortable. Reassurance, although helpful, may be false reassurance at this time. Discussing discharge care can be done later once the newborn's status improves and plans for discharge are initiated.
An LGA newborn has a blood glucose level of 30 mg/dL and is exhibiting symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which of the following would the nurse do next? A) Administer intravenous glucose immediately. B) Feed the newborn 2 ounces of formula. C) Initiate blow-by oxygen therapy. D) Place the newborn under a radiant warmer.
Ans: A Feedback: If an LGA newborn's blood glucose level is below 40 mg/dL and is symptomatic, continuous infusion of parenteral glucose is needed. Supervised breast-feeding or formula feeding may be initial treatment options in asymptomatic hypoglycemia. Blow-by oxygen would have no effect on glucose levels; it may be helpful in promoting oxygenation. Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer would be a more appropriate measure for cold stress.
After determining that a newborn is in need of resuscitation, which of the following would the nurse do first? A) Dry the newborn thoroughly B) Suction the airway C) Administer ventilations D) Give volume expanders
Ans: A Feedback: If resuscitation is need, the nurse must first stabilize the newborn by drying the newborn thoroughly with a warm towel and provide warmth by placing him or her under a radiant heater to prevent rapid heat loss. Next the newborn's head is placed in a neutral position to open the airway and the airway is cleared with a bulb syringe or suction catheter. Breathing is stimulated. Often handling and rubbing the newborn with a dry towel may be all that is needed to stimulate respirations. Next ventilations and then chest compressions are done. Administration of epinephrine and/or volume expanders is the last step.
While caring for a preterm newborn receiving oxygen therapy, the nurse monitors the oxygen therapy duration closely based on the understanding that the newborn is at risk for which of the following? A) Retinopathy of prematurity B) Metabolic acidosis C) Infection D) Cold stress
Ans: A Feedback: Oxygen therapy has been linked the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity and is associated with the duration of oxygen use rather than the concentration of oxygen. Therefore, the nurse monitors the newborn's oxygen therapy closely. Metabolic acidosis may occur due to anaerobic metabolism used for heat production. Infection may occur for numerous reasons, but they are unrelated to oxygen therapy. Cold stress results from problems due to the preterm newborn's inadequate supply of brown fat, decreased muscle tone, and large body surface area.
When planning the care for an SGA newborn, which action would the nurse determine as a priority? A) Preventing hypoglycemia with early feedings B) Observing for respiratory distress syndrome C) Promoting bonding between the parents and the newborn D) Monitoring vital signs every 2 hours
Ans: A Feedback: With the loss of the placenta at birth, the newborn must now assume control of glucose homeostasis. This is achieved by early oral intermittent feedings. Observing for respiratory distress, promoting bonding, and monitoring vital signs, although important, are not the priority for this newborn.
A nurse suspects that a preterm newborn is having problems with thermal regulation. Which of the following would support the nurse's suspicion? (Select all that apply.) A) Shallow, slow respirations B) Cyanotic hands and feet C) Irritability D) Hypertonicity E) Feeble cry
Ans: A, B, E Feedback: Typically, a preterm newborn that is having problems with thermal regulation is cool to cold to the touch. The hands, feet, and tongue may appear cyanotic. Respirations are shallow or slow, or signs of respiratory distress are present. The newborn is lethargic and hypotonic, feeds poorly, and has a feeble cry. Blood glucose levels are probably low, leading to hypoglycemia, due to the energy expended to keep warm.
A nursing instructor is describing common problems associated with preterm birth. When describing the preterm newborn's risk for perinatal asphyxia, the instructor includes which of the following as contributing to the newborn's risk? (Select all that apply.) A) Surfactant deficiency B) Placental deprivation C) Immaturity of the respiratory control centers D) Decreased amounts of brown fat E) Depleted glycogen stores
Ans: A, C Feedback: Preterm newborns are at risk for perinatal asphyxia due to surfactant deficiency, unstable chest wall, immaturity of the respiratory control centers, small respiratory passages, and inability to clear mucus from the airways. Placental deprivation places the postterm newborn at risk for perinatal asphyxia. Decreased amounts of brown fat and depleted glycogen stores place the SGA newborn at risk for problems with thermoregulation.
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a preterm newborn to address the nursing diagnosis of risk for delayed development. Which of the following would the nurse include? (Select all that apply.) A) Clustering care to promote rest B) Positioning newborn in extension C) Using kangaroo care D) Loosely covering the newborn with blankets E) Providing nonnutritive sucking
Ans: A, C, E Feedback: The nurse would focus the plan of care on developmental care, which includes clustering care to promote rest and conserve energy, using flexed positioning to simulate in utero positioning, using kangaroo care to promote skin to skin sensations, swaddling with a blanket to maintain the flexed position, and providing nonnutritive sucking.
A nurse is assessing a newborn who has been classified as small for gestational age. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.) A) Wasted extremity appearance B) Increased amount of breast tissue C) Sunken abdomen D) Adequate muscle tone over buttocks E) Narrow skull sutures
Ans: A, C, E Feedback: Typical characteristics of SGA newborns include a head that is disproportionately large compared to the rest of the body, wasted appearance of the extremities, reduced subcutaneous fat stores, decreased amount of breast tissue, scaphoid abdomen, wide skull sutures, poor muscle tone over buttocks and cheeks, loose and dry skin appearing oversized, and a thin umbilical cord.
A woman gives birth to a newborn at 36 weeks' gestation. She tells the nurse, "I'm so glad that my baby isn't premature." Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) "You are lucky to have given birth to a term newborn." B) "We still need to monitor him closely for problems." C) "How do you feel about delivering your baby at 36 weeks?" D) "Your baby is premature and needs monitoring in the NICU."
Ans: B Feedback: A baby born at 36 weeks' gestation is considered a late preterm newborn. These newborns face similar challenges as those of preterm newborns and require similar care. Telling the mother that close monitoring is necessary can prevent any misconceptions that she might have and prepare her for what might arise. The baby is not considered a term newborn, nor is the baby considered premature. The decision for care in the NICU would depend on the newborn's status. Asking the woman how she feels about the delivery demonstrates caring but does not address the woman's lack of understanding about her newborn.
The nurse prepares to assess a newborn who is considered to be large for gestational age (LGA). Which of the following would the nurse correlate with this gestational age variation? A) Strong, brisk motor skills B) Difficulty in arousing to a quiet alert state C) Birth weight of 7 lb 14 oz D) Wasted appearance of extremities
Ans: B Feedback: LGA newborns typically are more difficult to arouse to a quiet alert state. They have poor motor skills, have a large body that appears plump and full-sized, and usually weigh more than 8 lb 13 oz at term.
Which of the following, if noted in the maternal history, would the nurse identify as possibly contributing to the birth of an LGA newborn? A) Drug abuse B) Diabetes C) Preeclampsia D) Infection
Ans: B Feedback: Maternal factors that increase the chance of having an LGA newborn include maternal diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance, multiparity, prior history of a macrosomic infant, postdated gestation, maternal obesity, male fetus, and genetics. Drug abuse is associated with SGA newborns and preterm newborns. A maternal history of preeclampsia and infection would be associated with preterm birth.
Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when assisting parents who have experienced the loss of their preterm newborn? A) Avoid using the terms "death" or "dying." B) Provide opportunities for them to hold the newborn. C) Refrain from initiating conversations with the parents. D) Quickly refocus the parents to a more pleasant topic.
Ans: B Feedback: When dealing with grieving parents, nurses should provide them with opportunities to hold the newborn if they desire. In addition, the nurse should provide the parents with as many memories as possible, encouraging them to see, touch, dress, and take pictures of the newborn. These interventions help to validate the parents' sense of loss, relive the experience, and attach significance to the meaning of loss. The nurse should use appropriate terminology, such as "dying," "died," and "death," to help the parents accept the reality of the death. Nurses need to demonstrate empathy and to respect the parents' feelings, responding to them in helpful and supportive ways. Active listening and allowing the parents to vent their frustrations and anger help validate the parents' feelings and facilitate the grieving process.
When assessing a postterm newborn, which of the following would the nurse correlate with this gestational age variation? A) Moist, supple, plum skin appearance B) Abundant lanugo and vernix C) Thin umbilical cord D) Absence of sole creases
Ans: C Feedback: A postterm newborn typically exhibits a thin umbilical cord; dry, cracked, wrinkled skin; limited vernix and lanugo; and creases covering the entire soles of the feet.
The nurse frequently assesses the respiratory status of a preterm newborn based on the understanding that the newborn is at increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome because of which of the following? A) Inability to clear fluids B) Immature respiratory control center C) Deficiency of surfactant D) Smaller respiratory passages
Ans: C Feedback: A preterm newborn is at increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) most commonly because of a surfactant deficiency. Surfactant helps to keep the alveoli open and maintain lung expansion. With a deficiency, the alveoli collapse, predisposing the newborn to RDS. An inability to clear fluids can lead to transient tachypnea. Immature respiratory control centers lead to an increased risk for apnea. Smaller respiratory passages lead to an increased risk for obstruction.
A group of pregnant women are discussing high-risk newborn conditions as part of a prenatal class. When describing the complications that can occur in these newborns to the group, which would the nurse include as being at lowest risk? A) Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns B) Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns C) Appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns D) Low-birth-weight newborns
Ans: C Feedback: Appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns are at the lowest risk for any problems. AGA characterizes approximately 80% of newborns and describes a newborn with a normal length, weight, head circumference, and body mass index. The other categories all have an increased risk of complications.
A group of nursing students are reviewing the literature in preparation for a class presentation on newborn pain prevention and management. Which of the following would the students be most likely to find about this topic? A) Newborn pain is frequently recognized and treated B) Newborns rarely experience pain with procedures C) Pain is frequently mistaken for irritability or agitation D) Newborns may be less sensitive to pain than adult.
Ans: C Feedback: Assessment of pain in the newborn remains a contentious and vexing problem. According to an international consortium, principles of newborn pain prevention and management include the following: newborn pain frequently goes unrecognized and undertreated; newborns experience pain and analgesics should be given; a procedure considered painful for an adults should also be considered painful for a newborn; newborns may be more sensitive to pain than adults; and pain behavior is frequently mistaken for irritability and agitation.
The nurse is assessing a preterm newborn's fluid and hydration status. Which of the following would alert the nurse to possible overhydration? A) Decreased urine output B) Tachypnea C) Bulging fontanels D) Elevated temperature
Ans: C Feedback: Bulging fontanels in a preterm newborn suggest overhydration. Sunken fontanels, decreased urine output, and elevated temperature would suggest dehydration.
When performing newborn resuscitation, which action would the nurse do first? A) Intubate with an appropriate-sized endotracheal tube. B) Give chest compressions at a rate of 80 times per minute. C) Administer epinephrine intravenously. D) Suction the mouth and then the nose.
Ans: D Feedback: After placing the newborn's head in a "sniffing" position, the nurse would suction the mouth and then the nose. This is followed by ventilation, circulation (chest compressions), and administration of epinephrine.
A nurse is assisting the anxious parents of a preterm newborn to cope with the situation. Which statement by the nurse would be least appropriate? A) "I'll be here to help you all along the way." B) "What has helped you to deal with stressful situations in the past?" C) "Let me tell you about what you will see when you visit your baby." D) "Forget about what's happened in the past and focus on the now."
Ans: D Feedback: Instead of telling the parents to forget about what's happened, the nurse should review with them the events that have occurred since birth to help them understand and clarify any misconceptions they might have. Other helpful interventions would include telling the parents that the nurse will be with them because this provides them with a physical presence and support; asking about previous coping strategies that worked so that they can use them now; and explaining what is happening and all the equipment being used so they can understand the situation.
The nurse is teaching a group of students about the differences between a full-term newborn and a preterm newborn. The nurse determines that the teaching is effective when the students state that the preterm newborn has: A) Fewer visible blood vessels through the skin B) More subcutaneous fat in the neck and abdomen C) Well-developed flexor muscles in the extremities D) Greater surface area in proportion to weight
Ans: D Feedback: Preterm newborns have large body surface areas compared to weight, which allows an increased transfer of heat from their bodies to the environment. Preterm newborns often have thin transparent skin with numerous visible veins, minimal subcutaneous fat, and poor muscle tone.
Which of the following would alert the nurse to suspect that a preterm newborn is in pain? A) Bradycardia B) Oxygen saturation level of 94% C) Decreased muscle tone D) Sudden high-pitched cry
Ans: D Feedback: The nurse should suspect pain if the newborn exhibits a sudden high-pitched cry, oxygen desaturation, tachycardia, and increased muscle tone.