A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In explaining surfactant therapy to parents of a premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), the nurse should choose option B) Surfactant improves the ability of your infant’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This answer is correct because artificial surfactant helps reduce surface tension in the lungs, preventing alveolar collapse and improving gas exchange, which is crucial for the infant's respiratory function. Option A is incorrect because surfactant therapy is not related to sedation requirements. Option C is incorrect because surfactant is not used to reduce tachycardia episodes. Option D is incorrect because surfactant is not administered to fight respiratory tract infections but rather to improve lung function in RDS. Educationally, it is important for parents to understand the rationale behind the treatment their infant is receiving. By explaining how surfactant works to improve lung function, parents can better comprehend the importance of this therapy in helping their infant breathe more effectively and potentially improve outcomes in RDS cases. This information empowers parents to be more actively involved in their infant's care and advocate for appropriate treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct recommendation for the nurse to provide to the mother is option C) attempt to replace the NG tube yourself following discharge training. Rationale: 1. Option C is correct because the mother has received discharge training on how to manage the NG tube at home. This training equips her with the necessary skills to safely replace the tube without immediate medical intervention. 2. Option A and B (driving the infant to the nearest ER or calling 911) are not the most appropriate initial actions in this situation. The mother has the knowledge and ability to handle the situation at home, reducing unnecessary emergency department visits or EMS calls. 3. Option D is incorrect because feeding the infant by mouth without the NG tube in place can lead to inadequate nutrition and hydration, especially if the infant requires specialized feeding or medications. Educational context: It is crucial for healthcare providers to educate parents and caregivers on the proper care and management of medical devices like NG tubes at home. Providing discharge training ensures that they are prepared to handle common issues that may arise, such as accidental removal of the tube. By empowering parents with the knowledge and skills to address these situations, unnecessary stress and healthcare costs can be minimized.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) spontaneous abortion because it is the most common cause of first-trimester loss, especially at 8 weeks' gestation. Spontaneous abortion, also known as miscarriage, can occur due to various reasons such as chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, maternal health conditions, infections, hormonal issues, or uterine abnormalities. Option A) Ectopic pregnancy is not the most common cause of first-trimester loss; it occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, posing a serious threat to maternal health. Option C) Cervical insufficiency typically causes second-trimester losses due to the weakness of the cervix, leading to premature dilation and delivery. Option D) Stillbirth refers to fetal death after 20 weeks' gestation, which is not relevant to the scenario of an 8-week spontaneous abortion. Understanding the common causes of first-trimester loss is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant patients as it helps in providing appropriate support, education, and counseling to families experiencing such heartbreaking events. By knowing the typical reasons for pregnancy loss, nurses can offer empathetic and informed care to help families navigate through this difficult time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of providing bereavement care to a family after a stillbirth, effective communication plays a crucial role in supporting the family through their grieving process. Option C, "Are there any religious ceremonies you would like for us to coordinate for you?" demonstrates effective bereavement care because it acknowledges the family's unique needs and offers support in honoring their cultural or religious practices, which can be comforting during this difficult time. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect sensitive and empathetic communication. Option A may inadvertently invalidate the family's experience by focusing on what they have lost rather than acknowledging their grief. Option B uses insensitive language referring to the fetus instead of recognizing the emotional impact on the family. Option D, while well-intentioned, takes away the family's autonomy by assuming decisions on their behalf, which can be disempowering during the grieving process. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of effective communication skills in providing bereavement care. Nurses must be able to demonstrate empathy, cultural competence, and a patient-centered approach to support families who are experiencing loss. Understanding the diverse needs of families and offering individualized support can help nurses provide holistic care during such sensitive situations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) chronic hypertension as a risk factor for Idiopathic Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (IPFD) in a newborn. Chronic hypertension in the mother can lead to decreased placental perfusion, resulting in fetal hypoxia and subsequent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. This condition can be life-threatening and requires prompt recognition and intervention. Option B) hypothyroidism is not directly linked to IPFD. While maternal hypothyroidism can have various effects on the fetus, it is not a known risk factor for IPFD. Option C) depression and Option D) asthma are also not directly related to IPFD in the newborn. Although these conditions can impact pregnancy outcomes and newborn health in other ways, they are not specifically associated with the development of IPFD. In an educational context, understanding risk factors for conditions such as IPFD is crucial for nurses caring for newborns. Recognizing how maternal health conditions can impact the newborn allows nurses to provide targeted care and interventions to promote positive outcomes. This question highlights the importance of thorough maternal history assessment in identifying potential risk factors and complications that may arise in the neonatal period.