Complicated Newborn Practice Test

The parents of a preterm infant are preparing to take their baby home. How would the nurse best evaluate the parents' competency in infant care?

Observe the parents while they are giving care to their infant

The nurse is caring for a preterm infant with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Which nursing intervention is most important for this infant?

Measuring abdominal girth frequently

In her 36th week of gestation, a client with type 1 diabetes delivers a 9 lb 10 oz (4366 g) infant via cesarean birth. Which condition is this infant at a high risk for developing?

respiratory distress syndrome

An infant of a diabetic mother is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Which is the priority nursing intervention for this infant?

Obtaining heel blood to test the glucose level

An infant is born with a life-threatening congenital heart defect and is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Which is the priority nursing intervention at this time?

Assisting the parents with the grieving process

After a difficult vaginal birth, assessment of a full-term newborn reveals an unequal Moro reflex on one side and a flaccid arm in adduction. Which problem would the nurse suspect?

Brachial palsy

Which is a gastrointestinal manifestation of infection in the newborn? a. Lethargy b. Irritability c. Nasal flaring d. Poor perfusion e. Glucose instability

Glucose instability

The nurse must continually assess a preterm infant's temperature and provide appropriate nursing care because, unlike the full-term infant, the preterm infant has which limitation?

Has a limited supply of brown fat available to provide heat

The nurse suspects that a newborn has toxoplasmosis, one of the TORCH infections. How and when may it have been transmitted to the newborn?

In utero through the placenta

Which is the focus of nursing care for a newborn with respiratory distress syndrome?

Keeping the infant warm to maintain body temperature at 98°F (37°C)

A newborn is diagnosed as having neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) after exhibiting jitteriness, irritability, and a shrill cry. Which is the priority nursing care?

Reducing environmental stimuli to promote relaxation

Which is the most common complication for which the nurse must monitor preterm infants?

Respiratory distress

The parents of a preterm newborn visit the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for the first time. They are obviously overwhelmed by the amount of equipment and the tininess of their baby. Which is the nurse's most appropriate response to their reaction?

Showing the parents how to touch the baby

Which complication would the nurse monitor for in the infant born at 36 1/7 weeks' gestation? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct. a. apnea b. hyperglycemia c. hyperbilirubinemia d. feeding difficulties e. temperature instability

apnea hyperbilirubinemia feeding difficulties temperature instability

A mother asks the neonatal nurse why her infant must be monitored so closely for hypoglycemia when her type 1 diabetes was in excellent control during the entire pregnancy. How would the nurse best respond?

"Babies of mothers with diabetes have a higher-than-average insulin level because of the excess glucose received from the mother during pregnancy, so the glucose level may drop."

On her first visit to the neonatal intensive care unit to see her preterm newborn, the mother's only comment to the nurse is, "My baby looks so fragile. Do you think my child will make it?" Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

"It's understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?"

A preterm newborn is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Which concern is most commonly expressed by NICU parents?

Fear of handling the infant

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) develops 6 hours after birth in a neonate born at 33 weeks' gestation. Which would the nurse's assessment of the newborn at this time reveal?

Intercostal retractions

A preterm neonate admitted to the neonatal intensive care nursery exhibits muscle twitching, seizures, cyanosis, abnormal respirations, and a short, shrill cry. Which complication would the nurse suspect?

Intercranial hemorrhage

The parent of a preterm infant asks the nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit why the baby is in a bed with a radiant warmer. How would the nurse explain the increased risk for hypothermia in preterm infants?

Lack the subcutaneous fat that usually provides insulation

Which assessment finding supports the diagnosis of HIV infection in a male newborn?

Thrush that does not respond readily to treatment

Which characteristics would the nurse anticipate in the infant of a suspected or known opioid abuser? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct. a. tremors b. dehydration c. hyperactivity d. muscle hypotonicity e. prolonged sleep periods

Tremors Hyperactivity

Which maternal condition would cause the nurse to expect signs of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a neonate?

Type 1 diabetes (delayed synthesis of surfactant caused by a high serum level of insulin)

The nurse is caring for a preterm neonate who is receiving gastric feedings. Which neonatal clinical finding unique to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) leads the nurse to suspect that the neonate is experiencing this complication?

Increased amount of residual gastric aspirate

The nurse is caring for a newborn whose mother was prescribed an opioid analgesic throughout pregnancy. Which action would the nurse include in the plan of care?

Offering small, frequent feedings