During discharge teaching, the parents ask the nurse which type of thermometer is the most accurate to take their newborn’s temperature. What is the nurse’s best reply to this question?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) a digital rectal thermometer. When taking a newborn's temperature, it is essential to use a reliable and accurate method. A digital rectal thermometer is the most accurate for infants under three months old because it provides a precise reading of the core body temperature. Option A) a tympanic thermometer may not be as accurate in newborns due to their small ear canals and difficulty in obtaining a proper seal for an accurate reading. Option B) a glass rectal thermometer (mercury) is not recommended due to the risk of exposure to mercury, which is toxic. Option C) a digital axillary thermometer is less accurate in newborns compared to rectal thermometers because axillary temperatures can be influenced by external factors. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide evidence-based information to parents regarding newborn care, including temperature measurement. By explaining the rationale behind using a digital rectal thermometer for accurate temperature assessment in newborns, nurses empower parents to make informed decisions and ensure the well-being of their child.

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: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) obesity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for premature delivery due to various physiological and metabolic changes it causes in the body. Obesity can lead to conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other complications that increase the likelihood of preterm birth. A) Hypertension, although a risk factor for complications during pregnancy, is not directly linked to an increased risk of premature delivery in this case. C) Age alone (27 years) is not a strong indicator for premature delivery. While advanced maternal age (usually considered over 35) can be a risk factor, being 27 years old is not a significant contributor to premature birth. D) A history of premature delivery is a strong predictor of future preterm births. However, in this question, the focus is on current risk factors that increase the likelihood of delivering prematurely, making obesity the most relevant choice. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing specific risk factors for premature delivery in pregnant individuals. Understanding how various factors such as obesity can impact pregnancy outcomes is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively assess and manage high-risk pregnancies. By identifying and addressing these risk factors early, healthcare teams can work towards reducing the incidence of preterm births and improving outcomes for both the birthing parent and the newborn.

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.