ATI RN
Nursing Care of the Newborn Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A mother worries about her infant feeling pain during a heel stick for a blood test. What action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the best action by the nurse is option A: encourage breastfeeding during the heel stick. Breastfeeding has been shown to have analgesic effects due to the release of endorphins in the infant, providing natural pain relief. This not only helps in reducing the perception of pain but also promotes maternal-infant bonding, which is crucial for the newborn's overall well-being. Option B, icing the infant's heel prior to the blood draw, is not recommended as cold temperature can cause vasoconstriction, making it harder to obtain an adequate blood sample. Option C, massaging the infant's heel after the needle stick, may provide some comfort but does not address the pain during the procedure itself. Option D, reassuring the mother that infants don't feel pain, is incorrect as infants do feel pain, and acknowledging and addressing their pain is essential for their care and comfort. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of utilizing non-pharmacological pain management strategies in neonatal care. It emphasizes the role of breastfeeding not only as a source of nutrition but also as a valuable comfort measure and pain relief method for newborns undergoing procedures. Understanding these strategies is crucial for nurses caring for newborns to provide holistic and developmentally appropriate care.
Question 2 of 5
A nursing student is measuring a newborn babys head circumference. Which action by the student demonstrates good understanding of this procedure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this question regarding measuring a newborn's head circumference, the correct answer is option C) Records the largest of three measurements. This answer is correct because when measuring a newborn's head circumference, it is important to ensure accuracy by taking multiple measurements and recording the largest one. This is because newborns can be fidgety, and their heads may not be perfectly round, so taking multiple measurements helps account for any variations. Option A) Measures three times records the average is incorrect because taking the average may not capture the true size of the newborn's head if there is variability in the measurements. A single average may not accurately represent the actual head circumference. Option B) Places tape measure at the hairline is incorrect because the tape measure should be placed around the widest part of the head, usually just above the eyebrows and ears. Placing it at the hairline may lead to an inaccurate measurement. Option D) Uses two finger-breadths to estimate size is incorrect because using finger-breadths is not a precise or accurate method for measuring head circumference. It is important to use a measuring tape for accurate measurements in healthcare settings. Educationally, understanding the correct procedure for measuring a newborn's head circumference is crucial for accurate assessment of growth and development. Nurses need to ensure they follow proper techniques to obtain precise measurements, as these measurements can be important indicators of health and development in infants.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to parents of a newborn. The baby had no medical problems and is healthy other than having failed an automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) hearing test conducted in the nursery. What information does the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct choice because it aligns with best practices in newborn hearing screening. The nurse should explain to the parents that a failed AABR test does not definitively indicate deafness in the newborn. It is crucial to retest the baby's hearing within a month to rule out any temporary issues or potential false results from the initial test. Option A is incorrect because it is important to avoid making definitive statements about a baby's hearing status based solely on one failed test. Option B is incorrect as it does not address the need for a retest within a specific timeframe. Option D is also incorrect as waiting a week may not be sufficient to reevaluate the baby's hearing accurately. From an educational perspective, it is essential for nurses to understand the nuances of newborn hearing screening and communicate effectively with parents regarding the significance of test results. Emphasizing the need for timely follow-up testing ensures early detection and intervention if there are any hearing concerns, ultimately supporting the newborn's overall development and well-being.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse notes swelling in the scrotum of a newborn infant. Transillumination reveals a reddish-yellow reflection. What action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When the nurse assesses a swollen scrotum, it is important to determine that the scrotal sac does not contain entrapped bowel or a mass. Transillumination can determine the presence of a mass when the light directed at the scrotum does not produce a reflection. A reddish-yellow reflection indicates fluid, which will be reabsorbed on its own. The nurse should document the findings and reassure the parents. No further action is needed.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing to discharge an infant who has developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). What discharge instruction would be most important?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A baby with DDH will be placed in a special splint, most often the Pavlik harness, to keep the legs in a position of abduction. The harness is worn continuously for 3-6 months, during which time bone growth helps create a normal hip joint. Ortolani's maneuver is an assessment for DDH. Surgery may be required, but not until it has been determined that bone growth is not creating a normally shaped hip joint. Corrective shoes are not needed.