ATI RN
Nursing Care of the Newborn Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing an infant who has a large bruise around his neck and face from a nuchal cord. What other assessment finding correlates with this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Infants born with a nuchal cord often demonstrate significant bruising to the face and neck. This may be upsetting to the parents. Irritability with handling might be related to damage from birth trauma. Large-for-gestational-age infants often have bruising related to extraction techniques during a difficult birth. Obvious vertebral defects are associated with neural tube anomalies and can be seen in children with hairy pigmented skin lesions and hairy nevi located in the posterior midline area near the spinal column.
Question 2 of 5
The perinatal nurse notes that a newborn does not seem to have an opening inside the anal ring. Which action by the nurse takes priority?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the perinatal nurse to take is option B: assess the abdomen and notify the physician. This is the priority because the absence of an opening inside the anal ring could indicate a serious congenital anomaly such as imperforate anus, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications and ensure the newborn's well-being. Option A is incorrect because the infant's feeding status is not the most urgent concern in this situation. Option C is also incorrect as there is no indication that kidney function is related to the absence of an anal opening. Option D is not appropriate because reassuring the parents without proper assessment and intervention could delay necessary medical treatment. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses caring for newborns to be aware of common congenital anomalies and the importance of prompt identification and intervention. Understanding the significance of physical assessment findings in newborns can help prevent potential complications and ensure early treatment when needed. This case underscores the importance of thorough assessments and timely communication with healthcare providers in the care of newborns.
Question 3 of 5
An infant was born with anencephaly and was taken immediately to the NICU. The parents are about to visit for the first time. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Infants born with anencephaly (incomplete closure of the anterior portion of the neural tube) are often missing parts of the brain, forehead, skull, and occiput. The nurse must be very sensitive in working with the parents of such children and needs to prepare the parents for how the child will look. Well-prepared parents have a better chance of being able to bond with their child. A visit from the chaplain may or may not be welcomed. Emergency surgery is not performed. Proper gowning and gloving are not needed unless the infant is in isolation.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse teaching a family about bonding with their infant describes touch as an important facet of this process. What does the nurse understand is most important about touch and bonding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and nursing care of the newborn, understanding the importance of touch in bonding is crucial for promoting infant well-being and family dynamics. The correct answer, option C, highlights that the neonate learns exclusively through touch. This is because touch is a primary mode of communication and interaction for newborns, playing a vital role in forming secure attachments with caregivers. Infants rely on tactile sensations to feel secure, loved, and to establish trust with their parents. Option A, stating that all newborn care must be completed through touch, is incorrect as newborn care involves a combination of touch, sight, sound, and other sensory inputs. Option B, suggesting that parental recognition occurs through touch, is also incorrect as recognition encompasses various factors beyond touch, such as voice and scent. Option D, claiming that touch accustoms the parent to the infant's body, is not the most important aspect regarding touch and bonding; rather, it is the infant's need for touch that fosters bonding and attachment. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to convey the significance of touch in bonding with newborns to families. By understanding that touch is a fundamental way for infants to connect with their caregivers and environment, parents can feel empowered to establish strong bonds with their newborns through nurturing touch practices. This knowledge equips families with the tools to promote healthy attachment relationships and support the overall well-being of the newborn.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is discharging parents and their new infant. When assisting the family to place the infant in a car seat, which observation leads the nurse to reinforce teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, option A is the correct answer as the baby is wearing a sack-type sleeper. The rationale behind this is that bulky clothing, like sack-type sleepers, should be avoided when securing a baby in a car seat as it can compromise the harness's ability to properly restrain the infant in case of a crash. By reinforcing teaching in this situation, the nurse ensures the baby's safety during car travel. Option B is incorrect because wearing a single layer of clothes is actually recommended when placing a baby in a car seat to prevent overheating and ensure the harness fits snugly against the baby's body. Option C is incorrect as checking the temperature of the car seat does not directly relate to the safety of the infant in the car seat. Option D is also incorrect as the orientation of the car seat (rear-facing or forward-facing) is important for infant safety but not the most critical observation in this scenario. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of proper car seat safety practices for newborns. Nurses play a crucial role in educating parents on how to secure their infants safely in car seats to prevent injuries during transportation. By addressing this scenario, nurses can ensure that parents are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to protect their newborns while traveling in vehicles.