ATI RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
Most newborns receive a prophylactic injection of vitamin K soon after birth. Which site is appropriate for the newborn?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In maternal newborn nursing, it is crucial to understand the importance of vitamin K administration to newborns. The correct answer is D) Vastus lateralis muscle. This site is appropriate for newborns because it has a well-developed muscle mass, making it ideal for intramuscular injections. The gluteal muscles (option A) are not recommended due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve. The rectus femoris muscle (option B) is not commonly used in newborns for injections. The deltoid muscle (option C) is not preferred in newborns due to its small size and proximity to the brachial plexus, which could lead to nerve damage. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind site selection for vitamin K administration in newborns is crucial for safe and effective nursing practice. Proper injection site selection ensures optimal drug absorption and reduces the risk of complications or injuries to the newborn. It is essential for maternal newborn nurses to be knowledgeable about best practices in newborn care to provide high-quality and safe care to newborns and their families.
Question 2 of 5
Although circumcision continues to be a controversial procedure, many parents in the United States elect to have this surgery performed on their newborn sons. It is believed that newborns do not feel pain; therefore, this is the optimum time for the procedure to be done and no anesthesia is required.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) FALSE. It is crucial to provide anesthesia during circumcision for newborns as they do experience pain. Infants have a well-developed nervous system and can feel pain even though they may not express it in the same way as adults. Failing to use anesthesia during circumcision can lead to significant physiological stress, behavioral changes, and long-term negative effects on pain perception and stress responses in the infant. Choosing option A) TRUE would be incorrect because newborns do feel pain, and it is unethical to perform a procedure like circumcision without providing adequate pain relief. This misconception highlights the importance of ongoing education and awareness among healthcare providers and parents regarding the need for pain management in newborn procedures. In the field of maternal newborn nursing, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and comfort of newborns. By ensuring that appropriate pain management practices are followed during procedures like circumcision, healthcare providers can promote positive outcomes and establish trust with families. Educating parents about the importance of pain management for their newborns can empower them to make informed decisions and advocate for their child's health and safety.
Question 3 of 5
If a newborn is born with acrocyanosis (blue/pale extremities and a pink body), they should be assigned which Apgar score for appearance?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of newborn assessment, the Apgar score is a crucial tool used to quickly evaluate a newborn's overall condition at birth. The Apgar score consists of five components: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. Each component is scored from 0 to 2, with a maximum total score of 10. In the case of a newborn born with acrocyanosis (blue/pale extremities and a pink body), they should be assigned an Apgar score of 1 for appearance. This is because acrocyanosis is a common and benign condition in newborns where the extremities appear blue or pale due to immature circulation. Despite the blueness of the extremities, the rest of the body being pink indicates good overall perfusion and oxygenation, warranting a score of 1 for appearance. Assigning a score of 0 for appearance (Option A) would not be appropriate in this scenario because the baby does have some pink color in the body, indicating adequate perfusion. A score of 2 (Option C) would not be given because acrocyanosis affects the extremities' color, not the entire body. Option D is not a valid Apgar score choice. Educationally, understanding the significance of Apgar scores and their interpretation is crucial for nurses working in maternal newborn care. By knowing how to accurately assess and assign Apgar scores, healthcare providers can quickly identify newborns who may need immediate interventions or further evaluation, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both the newborn and the mother.
Question 4 of 5
To meet the goal of promoting infant feeding in a breastfed baby, the nurse should teach the mother to do which of the following? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In maternal newborn nursing, promoting infant feeding in a breastfed baby is crucial for the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. The correct answer is D) Maintain on-demand breastfeeding for the first 4 weeks. This is because on-demand breastfeeding helps establish a good milk supply, promotes bonding between mother and baby, and allows the baby to feed according to their hunger cues, promoting healthy weight gain. Option A) Feed the baby on a 3- to 4-hour schedule is incorrect because scheduled feedings can interfere with establishing a good milk supply and responding to the baby's hunger cues, leading to potential issues with weight gain and milk production. Option B) Alternate breast milk and formula for each feeding is incorrect as it can interfere with establishing exclusive breastfeeding, which is recommended for the first 6 months of life to provide optimal nutrition and health benefits to the baby. Option C) Stop breastfeeding if her nipples get sore is incorrect because sore nipples are common in the early stages of breastfeeding and can often be addressed with proper positioning and latching techniques, continuing to breastfeed is important for maintaining milk supply and promoting infant health. Educationally, it is important for nurses to provide evidence-based information to mothers to support successful breastfeeding, emphasizing the benefits of on-demand feeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and strategies to address common challenges like sore nipples. This empowers mothers to make informed decisions and promotes the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse notes right cephalhematoma on the otherwise healthy one-day-old newborn. Apriority intervention at the time of discharge would be to instruct the parents:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A: Instructing the parents on how to observe for signs of jaundice. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns and can be more prevalent in infants with cephalhematoma. It is essential for parents to monitor their newborn for signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, as it can indicate a potential issue with the baby's liver function. Early detection and management of jaundice are crucial to prevent complications. Option B, assessing the fontanels for tenseness, is not the priority in this case as cephalhematoma does not typically affect the fontanels. While fontanels should be assessed for normalcy, it is not the immediate concern in this situation. Option C, increasing the infant's feeding to every 3 hours, is not the priority intervention at the time of discharge for a newborn with cephalhematoma. Feeding frequency is important, but monitoring for jaundice takes precedence in this case. Option D, recording the number of wet diapers in 24 hours, is important for monitoring the newborn's hydration status but is not the priority over watching for signs of jaundice, which can have more immediate health implications. In the context of maternal newborn nursing education, it is crucial to prioritize teaching parents about common newborn conditions and associated signs and symptoms. By educating parents on how to recognize signs of jaundice early, nurses can empower them to seek timely medical intervention if needed, promoting the health and well-being of the newborn.