Chapter 24
a nurse in a local health care facility is caring for a new born with periventricular hemorrhage-intraventricular hemorrhage (PVH-IVH), who has recently been discharged from a local NICU. For which likely complications should the nurse assess?
-hydrocephalus -vision or hearing deficit - cerebral palsy
When caring for a neonate of a mother with diabetes, which physiologic finding is most indicative of a hypoglycemic episode? a) Hyperalert state b) Jitteriness c) Loud and forceful crying d) Serum glucose level of 60 mg/dl
Jitteriness
A nurse is caring for an infant born after a prolonged and difficult maternal labor. What nursing intervention should the nurse perform when assessing for trauma and birth injuries in the newborn?
Note any absence of or decrease in deep tendon reflexes.
An infant is suspected of having persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). What intervention implemented by the nurse would be appropriate for treating this client?
Provide oxygen by oxygen hood or ventilator.
A nurse is caring for a newborn with jaundice undergoing phototherapy. What intervention is appropriate when caring for the newborn? a) Shield the newborn's eyes b) Expose the newborn's skin minimally c) Discourage feeding the newborn d) Discontinue therapy if stools are loose, green, and frequent
Shield the newborn's eyes
A nurse is assigned to care for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia. The newborn is relatively large in size and shows signs of listlessness. What most likely occurred? a) The infant's mother must have had a long labor. b) The infant's mother probably used alcohol. c) The infant's mother probably had diabetes. d) The infant may have experienced birth trauma.
The infant's mother probably had diabetes.
A nurse is assigned to care for a newborn with esophageal atresia. What priority preoperative nursing care is the priority for this newborn? a) Prevent aspiration by elevating the head of the bed and insert an NG tube to low suction b) Administer antibiotics and total parenteral nutrition as ordered c) Provide NG feedings only d) Document the amount and color of esophageal drainage
a. Prevent aspiration by elevating the head of the bed, and insert an NG tube to low suction.
A newborn is suspected of having gastroschisis at birth. How would the nurse differentiate this problem from other congenital defects? a) The umbilical cord comes out of middle of the defect b) The intestines appear reddened and swollen and have no sac around them c) The abdominal contents are contained within a thin, transparent sac d) The skin over the abdomen is wrinkled and looks like a prune
b. The intestines appear reddened and swollen and have no sac around them
The nurse is assessing a newborn suspected of having meconium aspiration syndrome. What sign or symptom would be most suggestive of this condition? a) Intermittent tachypnea b) Expiratory grunting c) High-pitched shrill cry d) Bile-stained emesis
b. Expiratory grunting
a nurse is caring for a newborn with asphyxia. What nursing management is involved when treating a newborn with asphyxia? a) Administer surfactant as ordere b) Ensure effective resuscitation measures c) Ensure adequate tissue perfusion d) Administer IV fluids
b. ensure effective resuscitation measures
nurse is caring for a newborn with meconium aspiration syndrome. Which intervention should the nurse perform when caring for this newborn?
place new born under radiant warmer oxygen therapy antibiotics
A nurse is caring for a newborn with tecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) who is schedule to undergo surgery for a bowel resection. The infant's parents wish to know the implications of the surgery. What information should the nurse provide?
surgery requires placement of a proximal enterostomy
A nurse is caring for a newborn with transient tachypnea. Which is the priority nursing intervention? a) Administer IV fluids; gavage feedings b) Perform gentle suctioning c) Monitor for signs of hypotonia d) Maintain adequate hydration
Administer IV fluids; gavage feedings
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a newborn with omphalocele. Which of the following would the nurse include? A) Placing the newborn into a sterile drawstring bowel bag B) Using clean technique for dressing changes C) Preparing the newborn for incision and drainage D) Instituting gavage feedings
Ans: A Feedback: An infant with an omphalocele is placed in a sterile drawstring bowel bag that maintains a sterile environment for the exposed contents, allows visualization, reduces heat and moisture loss, and allows heat from radiant warmers to reach the newborn. The newborn is placed feet-first into the bag and the drawstring is secured around the torso. Strict sterile technique is necessary to prevent contamination of the exposed abdominal contents. An orogastric tube attached to low suction is used to prevent intestinal distention. IV therapy is administered to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and provide a route for antibiotic therapy. Surgery is done to repair the defect, not incise and drain it.
A newborn with severe meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is not responding to conventional treatment. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate as possibly necessary for this newborn? A) Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) B) Respiratory support with a ventilator C) Insertion of a laryngoscope for deep suctioning D) Replacement of an endotracheal tube via x-ray
Ans: A Feedback: If conventional measures are ineffective, then the nurse would need to prepare the newborn for ECMO. Hyperoxygenation, ventilatory support, and suctioning are typically used initially to promote tissue perfusion. However, if these are ineffective, ECMO would be the next step.
After teaching the parents of a newborn with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) about the disorder and treatment, which statement by the parents indicates that the teaching was successful? A) "Can we schedule follow-up eye examinations with the pediatric ophthalmologist now?" B) "We can fix the problem with surgery." C) "We'll make sure to administer eye drops each day for the next few weeks." D) "I'm sure the baby will grow out of it."
Ans: A Feedback: Parents of a newborn with suspected retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) should schedule follow-up vision screenings with a pediatric ophthalmologist every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the severity of the findings at the initial examination.
While reviewing a newborn's medical record, the nurse notes that the chest x-ray shows a ground glass pattern. The nurse interprets this as indicative of: A) Respiratory distress syndrome B) Transient tachypnea of the newborn C) Asphyxia D) Persistent pulmonary hypertension
Ans: A Feedback: The chest x-ray of a newborn with RDS reveals a reticular (ground glass) pattern. For TTN, the chest x-ray shows lung overaeration and prominent perihilar interstitial markings and streakings. A chest x-ray for asphyxia would reveal possible structural abnormalities that might interfere with respiration, but the results are highly variable. An echocardiogram would be done to evaluate persistent pulmonary hypertension.
Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to take when a newborn has an unexpected anomaly at birth? A) Show the newborn to the parents as soon as possible while explaining the defect. B) Remove the newborn from the birthing area immediately. C) Inform the parents that there is nothing wrong at the moment. D) Tell the parents that the newborn must go to the nursery immediately.
Ans: A Feedback: When an anomaly is identified at or after birth, parents need to be informed promptly and given a realistic appraisal of the severity of the condition, the prognosis, and treatment options so that they can participate in all decisions concerning their child. Removing the newborn from the area or telling them that the newborn needs to go to the nursery immediately is inappropriate and would only add to the parents' anxieties and fears. Telling them that nothing is wrong is inappropriate because it violates their right to know.
A nurse is explaining to the parents of a child with bladder exstrophy about the care their infant requires. Which of the following would the nurse include in the explanation? (Select all that apply.) A) Covering the area with a sterile, clear, nonadherent dressing B) Irrigating the surface with sterile saline twice a day C) Monitoring drainage through the suprapubic catheter D) Administering prescribed antibiotic therapy E) Preparing for surgical intervention in about 2 weeks
Ans: A, C, D Feedback: Care for an infant with bladder exstrophy includes covering the area with a sterile, clear, nonadherent dressing and irrigating the bladder surface with sterile saline after each diaper change to prevent infection, assisting with insertion and monitoring drainage from suprapubic catheter, administering prescribed antibiotic therapy, and preparing the parents and infant for surgery within 48 hours after birth.
The nurse is assessing a newborn and suspects that the newborn was exposed to drugs in utero because the newborn is exhibiting signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? (Select all that apply.) A) Tremors B) Diminished sucking C) Regurgitation D) Shrill, high-pitched cry E) Hypothermia F) Frequent sneezing
Ans: A, C, D, F Feedback: Signs and symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome include tremors, frantic sucking, regurgitation or projectile vomiting, shrill high-pitched cry, fever, and frequent sneezing.
A newborn was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and will undergo surgery at a later time. The nurse is teaching the parents about signs and symptoms that need to be reported. The nurse determines that the parents have understood the instructions when they state that they will report which of the following? (Select all that apply.) A) Weight loss B) Pale skin C) Fever D) Absence of edema E) Increased respiratory rate
Ans: A, C, E Feedback: Signs and symptoms that need to be reported include weight loss, poor feeding, cyanosis, breathing difficulties, irritability, increased respiratory rate, and fever.
A nurse is assisting in the resuscitation of a newborn. The nurse would expect to stop resuscitation efforts when the newborn has no heartbeat and respiratory effort after which time frame? A) 5 minutes B) 10 minutes C) 15 minutes D) 20 minutes
Ans: B Feedback: According to the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Neonatal Resuscitation, resuscitation efforts may be stopped if the newborn exhibits no heartbeat and no respiratory effort after 10 minutes of continuous and adequate resuscitation.
A newborn has an Apgar score of 6 at 5 minutes. Which of the following is the priority? A) Initiating IV fluid therapy B) Beginning resuscitative measures C) Promoting kangaroo care D) Obtaining a blood culture
Ans: B Feedback: An Apgar score below 7 at 1 or 5 minutes indicates the need for resuscitation. Intravenous fluid therapy and blood cultures may be done once resuscitation is started. Kangaroo care would be appropriate once the newborn is stable.
Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan of care for a newborn receiving phototherapy? A) Keeping the newborn in the supine position B) Covering the newborn's eyes while under the bililights C) Ensuring that the newborn is covered or clothed D) Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily
Ans: B Feedback: During phototherapy, the newborn's eyes are covered to protect them from the lights. The newborn is turned every 2 hours to expose all areas of the body to the lights and is kept undressed, except for the diaper area, to provide maximum body exposure to the lights. Fluid intake is increased to allow for added fluid, protein, and calories.
The nurse prepares to administer a gavage feeding for a newborn with transient tachypnea based on the understanding that this type of feeding is necessary for which reason? A) Lactase enzymatic activity is not adequate. B) Oxygen demands need to be reduced. C) Renal solute lead must be considered. D) Hyperbilirubinemia is likely to develop.
Ans: B Feedback: For the newborn with transient tachypnea, the newborn's respiratory rate is high, increasing his oxygen demand. Thus, measures are initiated to reduce this demand. Gavage feedings are one way to do so. With transient tachypnea, enzyme activity and kidney function are not affected. This condition typically resolves within 72 hours. The risk for hyperbilirubinemia is not increased.
Which of the following would not be considered a risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease)? A) Preterm birth (less than 32 weeks) B) Female gender C) White race D) Sepsis
Ans: B Feedback: Male gender is more commonly associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Preterm birth of less than 32 weeks' gestation, sepsis, white race, excessive fluid intake during the first few days of life, severe RDS with mechanical ventilation for more than 1 week, and patent ductus arteriosus are all risk factors associated with chronic lung disease in the newborn.
Which of the following would the nurse include when teaching a new mother about the difference between pathologic and physiologic jaundice? A) Physiologic jaundice results in kernicterus. B) Pathologic jaundice appears within 24 hours after birth. C) Both are treated with exchange transfusions of maternal O- blood. D) Physiologic jaundice requires transfer to the NICU.
Ans: B Feedback: Pathologic jaundice appears within 24 hours after birth, whereas physiologic jaundice commonly appears around the third to fourth days of life. Kernicterus is more commonly associated with pathologic jaundice. An exchange transfusion is used only if the total serum bilirubin level remains elevated after intensive phototherapy. With this procedure, the newborn's blood is removed and replaced with nonhemolyzed red blood cells from a donor. Physiologic jaundice often is treated at home.
After teaching the parents of a newborn with periventricular hemorrhage about the disorder and treatment, which statement by the parents indicates that the teaching was successful? A) "We'll make sure to cover both of his eyes to protect them." B) "Our newborn could develop a learning disability later on." C) "Once the bleeding ceases, there won't be any more worries." D) "We need to get family members to donate blood for transfusion."
Ans: B Feedback: Periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage has long-term sequelae such as seizures, hydrocephalus, periventricular leukomalacia, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, vision or hearing deficits, and mental retardation. Covering the eyes is more appropriate for the newborn receiving phototherapy. The bleeding in the brain can lead to serious long-term effects. Blood transfusions are not used to treat periventricular hemorrhage.
When planning the care of a newborn addicted to cocaine who is experiencing withdrawal, which of the following would be least appropriate to include? A) Wrapping the newborn snugly in a blanket B) Waking the newborn every hour C) Checking the newborn's fontanels D) Offering a pacifier
Ans: B Feedback: Stimuli need to be decreased. Waking the newborn every hour would most likely be too stimulating. Measures such as swaddling the newborn tightly and offering a pacifier help to decrease irritable behaviors. A pacifier also helps to satisfy the newborn's need for nonnutritive sucking. Checking the fontanels provides evidence of hydration.
A group of nursing students are reviewing the different types of congenital heart disease in infants. The students demonstrate a need for additional review when they identify which of the following as an example of increased pulmonary blood flow (left-to-right shunting)? A) Atrial septal defect B) Tetralogy of Fallot C) Ventricular septal defect D) Patent ductus arteriosus
Ans: B Feedback: Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart condition that results from decreased, not increased, pulmonary blood flow. Atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus are heart conditions that involve increased blood flow from higher pressure (left side of heart) to lower pressure (right side of heart), resulting in left-to-right shunting.
When developing the plan of care for a newborn with an acquired condition, which of the following would the nurse include to promote participation by the parents? A) Use verbal instructions primarily for explanations B) Assist with decision making process C) Provide personal views about their decisions D) Encourage them to refrain from showing emotions
Ans: B Feedback: To promote parental participation, the nurse should assist them with making decisions about treatment, and support their decisions for the newborn's care. Imposing personal views about their decisions is inappropriate and undermines the nurse-client relationship. In addition, the nurse would assess their ability to cope with the diagnosis, encourage them to verbalize their feelings about the newborn's condition and treatment and educate them about the newborn's condition using written information and pictures to enhance understanding.
The nurse is assessing the newborn of a mother who had gestational diabetes. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.) A) Pale skin color B) Buffalo hump C) Distended upper abdomen D) Excessive subcutaneous fat E) Long slender neck
Ans: B, C, D Feedback: Infants of diabetic mothers exhibit full rosy cheeks with a ruddy skin color, short neck, buffalo hump over the nape of the neck, massive shoulders, distended upper abdomen, and excessive subcutaneous fat tissue.
A newborn is diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome. When assessing this newborn, which of the following would the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.) A) Pigeon chest B) Prolonged tachypnea C) Intercostal retractions D) High blood pH level E) Coarse crackles on auscultation
Ans: B, C, E Feedback: Assessment findings associated with meconium aspiration syndrome include barrel-shaped chest with an increased anterior-posterior (AP) chest diameter (similar to that found in a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), prolonged tachypnea, progression from mild to severe respiratory distress, intercostal retractions, end-expiratory grunting, and cyanosis. Coarse crackles and rhonchi are noted on lung auscultation.
A newborn is suspected of having fetal alcohol syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? A) Bradypnea B) Hydrocephaly C) Flattened maxilla D) Hypoactivity
Ans: C Feedback: A newborn with fetal alcohol syndrome exhibits characteristic facial features such as microcephaly (not hydrocephaly), small palpebral fissures, and abnormally small eyes, flattened or absent maxilla, epicanthal folds, thin upper lip, and missing vertical groove in the median portion of the upper lip. Bradypnea is not typically associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. Fine and gross motor development is delayed, and the newborn shows poor hand-eye coordination but not hypoactivity.
A newborn is suspected of developing persistent pulmonary hypertension. The nurse would expect to prepare the newborn for which of the following to confirm the suspicion? A) Chest x-ray B) Blood cultures C) Echocardiogram D) Stool for occult blood
Ans: C Feedback: An echocardiogram is used to reveal right-to-left shunting of blood to confirm the diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension. Chest x-ray would be most likely used to aid in the diagnosis of RDS or TTN. Blood cultures would be helpful in evaluating for neonatal sepsis. Stool for occult blood may be done to evaluate for NEC.
The nurse is assessing a newborn who is large for gestational age. The newborn was born breech. The nurse suspects that the newborn may have experienced trauma to the upper brachial plexus based on which assessment findings? A) Absent grasp reflex B) Hand weakness C) Absent Moro reflex D) Facial asymmetry
Ans: C Feedback: An injury to the upper brachial plexus, or Erb's palsy, is manifested by adduction, pronation, and internal rotation of the affected extremity, absent shoulder movement, absent Moro reflex and positive grasp reflex. An absent grasp reflex and hand weakness is noted with a lower brachial plexus injury. Facial asymmetry is associated with a cranial nerve injury.
A nursing student is preparing a presentation for the class on clubfoot. The student determines that the presentation was successful when the class states which of the following? A) Clubfoot is a common genetic disorder. B) The condition affects girls more often than boys. C) The exact cause of clubfoot is not known. D) The intrinsic form can be manually reduced.
Ans: C Feedback: Clubfoot is a complex, multifactorial deformity with genetic and intrauterine factors. Heredity and race seem to factor into the incidence, but the means of transmission and the etiology are unknown. Most newborns with clubfoot have no identifiable genetic, syndromal, or extrinsic cause. Clubfoot affects boys twice as often as girls. With the intrinsic type, manual reduction is not possible.
A nurse is teaching the mother of a newborn diagnosed with galactosemia about dietary restrictions. The nurse determines that the mother has understood the teaching when she identifies which of the following as needing to be restricted? A) Phenylalanine B) Protein C) Lactose D) Iodine
Ans: C Feedback: Lifelong restriction of lactose is required for galactosemia. Phenylalanine is restricted for those with phenylketonuria. Low protein is needed with maple syrup urine disease. Iodine would not be restricted for any inborn error of metabolism
Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess in a newborn who develops sepsis? A) Increased urinary output B) Interest in feeding C) Hypothermia D) Wakefulness
Ans: C Feedback: Manifestations of sepsis are typically nonspecific and may include hypothermia (temperature instability), oliguria or anuria, lack of interest in feeding, and lethargy.
A group of students are reviewing information about the effects of substances on the newborn. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which drug as not being associated with teratogenic effects on the fetus? A) Alcohol B) Nicotine C) Marijuana D) Cocaine
Ans: C Feedback: Marijuana has not been shown to have teratogenic effects on the fetus. Alcohol, nicotine and cocaine do affect the fetus.
Assessment of newborn reveals a large protruding tongue, slow reflexes, distended abdomen, poor feeding, hoarse cry, goiter and dry skin. Which of the following would the nurse suspect? A) Phenylketonuria B) Galactosemia C) Congenital hypothyroidism D) Maple syrup urine disease
Ans: C Feedback: The manifestations listed correlate with congenital hypothyroidism. With phenylketonuria, the infant appears normal at birth but by 6 months of age, signs of slow mental development are evident. Vomiting, poor feeding, failure to thrive, overactivity and musty-smelling urine are additional signs. With maple syrup urine disease, signs and symptoms include lethargy, poor feeding, vomiting, weight loss, seizures, shrill cry, shallow respirations, loss of reflexes, and a sweet maple syrup odor to the urine. With galactosemia, manifestations include vomiting, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, poor weight gain, cataracts, and frequent infections.
A newborn has been diagnosed with a Group B streptococcal infection shortly after birth. The nurse understands that the newborn most likely acquired this infection from which of the following? A) Improper handwashing B) Contaminated formula C) Nonsterile catheter insertion D) Mother's birth canal
Ans: D Feedback: Most often, a newborn develops a Group B streptococcus infection during the birthing process when the newborn comes into contact with an infected birth canal. Improper handwashing, contaminated formula, and nonsterile catheter insertion would most likely lead to a late-onset infection, which typically occurs in the nursery due to horizontal transmission.
Which of the following would alert the nurse to suspect that a newborn has developed NEC? A) Irritability B) Sunken abdomen C) Clay-colored stools D) Bilious vomiting
Ans: D Feedback: The newborn with NEC may exhibit bilious vomiting with lethargy, abdominal distention and tenderness, and bloody stools.
A nurse is caring for a newborn whose chest x-ray reveals marked hyperaeration mixed with areas of atelectasis. The infant's arterial blood gas analysis indicates metabolic acidosis. The nurse should prepare for the management of which dangerous conditions when providing care to this newborn? a) Choanal atresia b) Diaphragmatic hernia c) Meconium aspiration syndrome d) Pneumonia
Meconium aspiration syndrome
