An infant with a congenital cardiac disorder is receiving postsurgical palliation and nearing time for discharge. What findings would be indicators that the infant is ready for discharge?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is correct because it indicates that the infant is medically stable, has undergone all necessary discharge screenings, and is up to date on vaccinations. These factors are crucial for ensuring the infant's health and safety post-discharge. Choice B is incorrect as it highlights the caregiver's lack of training, which is essential for managing the infant's needs at home. Choice C is incorrect as it mentions a delay in equipment delivery, which is necessary for the infant's care. Choice D is incorrect as escalating oxygen requirements and temperature instability indicate the infant is not ready for discharge.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ballard score. The Ballard score is a tool used to assess neuromuscular and physical maturity in newborns, which correlates with their gestational age. It includes assessment of physical characteristics such as skin texture, lanugo, ear form, breast tissue, and genitalia. This assessment helps healthcare providers determine the newborn's gestational age more accurately. A: Apgar score assesses the newborn's overall health and vitality at one and five minutes after birth. C: Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening is a metabolic test to detect inherited disorders, not related to assessing maturity. D: Length and weight measurements provide important information but do not specifically assess neuromuscular and physical maturity correlating with gestational age.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased surface tension with increased lung compliance. Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing alveolar collapse and increasing lung compliance. This improves gas exchange and reduces the work of breathing. A: Increased pulmonary vascular resistance is incorrect as surfactant does not affect vascular resistance. B: Increased cerebral blood flow is incorrect as surfactant primarily impacts the lungs, not cerebral blood flow. D: Increased blood viscosity is incorrect as surfactant does not alter blood viscosity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory distress syndrome. In neonates, the most common cause of patent ductus arteriosus is the respiratory distress syndrome. This is because the hypoxia and acidosis associated with respiratory distress syndrome lead to the persistence of the ductus arteriosus. Oxygen therapy (A) may be needed in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome but is not the direct cause of patent ductus arteriosus. Genetic predisposition (C) is not a primary cause of patent ductus arteriosus in neonates. Necrotizing enterocolitis (D) is a condition affecting the intestines and is not directly related to the development of patent ductus arteriosus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A premature infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia are at the greatest risk for retinopathy of prematurity due to the prolonged exposure to oxygen therapy, which can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. This condition can cause vision problems or even blindness. Choices A and B are common risk factors for prematurity but do not specifically increase the risk of retinopathy. Choice D, not receiving erythromycin ointment at birth, is unrelated to retinopathy risk.