Chapter 8: Health Problems of Newborns - Nurselytic

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Strawberry hemangiomas (or capillary hemangiomas) are benign cutaneous tumors that involve only capillaries. They are bright red, rubbery nodules with rough surfaces and well-defined margins. They may or may not be apparent at birth but enlarge during the first year of life and tend to resolve spontaneously by ages 2 to 3 years. A port-wine stain is a vascular stain that is a permanent lesion and is present at birth. Initially, it is a pink; red; or, rarely, purple stain of the skin that is flat at birth; it thickens, darkens, and proportionately enlarges as the infant grows. Melanoma is not differentiated into juvenile and adult forms. A cavernous hemangioma involves deeper vessels in the dermis and has a bluish red color and poorly defined margins.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Unconjugated bilirubin, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, is highly toxic to neurons. An infant with severe jaundice is at risk for developing kernicterus or bilirubin encephalopathy. Bullous impetigo is a highly infectious bacterial infection of the skin. It has no relation to severe jaundice. A blood incompatibility may be the causative factor for the severe jaundice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Breastfeeding-associated jaundice is caused by decreased milk intake related to decreased caloric and fluid intake by the infant before the mothers milk is well established. Fasting is associated with decreased hepatic clearance of bilirubin. Zero to 24 hours is too soon; jaundice within the first 24 hours is associated with hemolytic disease of the newborn. After the fifth day is too late. Jaundice associated with breastfeeding begins earlier because of decreased breast milk intake.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Physiologic jaundice is caused by the immature hepatic function of the newborns liver coupled with the increased load from red blood cell hemolysis. The excess bilirubin from the destroyed red blood cells cannot be excreted from the body. Feeding stimulates peristalsis and produces more rapid passage of meconium. Bathing does not affect physiologic jaundice. Placing the newborns crib near a window for exposure to sunlight is not a treatment of physiologic jaundice. Colostrum is a natural cathartic that facilitates meconium excavation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Dehydration is a potential risk of phototherapy. The nurse monitors hydration status to be alert for the need for more frequent feedings and supplemental fluid administration. Lotions are not used; they may contribute to a frying effect. The infant should be placed nude under the lights and should be repositioned frequently to expose all body surfaces to the lights. Breastfeeding is encouraged. Intermittent phototherapy may be as effective as continuous therapy. The advantage to the mother and father of being able to hold their infant outweighs the concerns related to clearance.