ATI RN
Nursing Care of the Newborn Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is teaching a student nurse about some of the differences between a term and preterm infant. Which statement is most accurate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because infants born before 34 to 36 weeks gestational age may not have fully developed surfactant production, which is crucial for alveolar stability and lung expansion. Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse. Without sufficient surfactant, preterm infants are at risk of respiratory distress syndrome. Choice A is incorrect because infants born at 32 weeks may still have underdeveloped alveoli and insufficient surfactant production, leading to potential lung expansion issues. Choice C is incorrect because the presence of gestational diabetes does not guarantee sufficient lung maturity in preterm infants. Lung maturity is more closely related to gestational age and surfactant production. Choice D is incorrect because while carrying multiple fetuses can slightly increase surfactant production, it may not be sufficient for preterm infants born before 34 to 36 weeks, necessitating the need for exogenous surfactant administration.
Question 2 of 5
An infant has just been admitted to the newborn nursery after an uncomplicated delivery. Upon assessment, the nurse notes poor muscle tone and a temperature of 96°F axillary. What is the next course of action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct next course of action is to obtain a blood glucose reading (Choice A). Poor muscle tone and low temperature in a newborn can be indicative of hypoglycemia, which is a common issue in infants. By checking the blood glucose level, the healthcare provider can determine if hypoglycemia is the cause of the symptoms. This action allows for prompt intervention if needed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the potential underlying issue of hypoglycemia. Resuscitation needs (Choice B) should only be considered if the infant's condition deteriorates. Calling for a transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit (Choice C) may not be necessary if the issue can be managed in the nursery. Placing warm blankets (Choice D) may help with temperature regulation but does not address the root cause of the symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse enters the room of a patient who just gave birth 2 days ago to a healthy newborn. The nurse asks her what her newborn's name is and she shrugs and says, 'I haven't thought about a name yet.' What priority is the nurse most concerned about with this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Parent-to-newborn attachment may be a concern. The nurse is most concerned about the lack of bonding or attachment between the mother and her newborn, as indicated by the mother not having thought about a name yet. This lack of interest or engagement with the newborn could potentially impact the mother's ability to form a healthy attachment, which is crucial for the newborn's well-being. The nurse should prioritize assessing and supporting the mother in developing a bond with her baby. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: The patient not naming the newborn does not indicate she has not transitioned from the fourth stage of labor. C: There is no evidence to suggest that the mother may be contemplating suicide based solely on her not naming the newborn. D: Different cultural practices do not seem to be the primary concern in this scenario compared to the potential lack of parent-to-newborn attachment.
Question 4 of 5
A mother brings her 4-week-old newborn into the clinic for a well-child check. She reports to the nurse that the newborn developed small white marks on her nose. What are these small white marks commonly called?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Milia. Milia are tiny, white, pearly bumps that commonly appear on a newborn's face, including the nose, due to blocked oil glands. They are harmless and typically disappear on their own. Explanation: 1. Milia are common in newborns, appearing as small white bumps on the nose and face. 2. They result from blocked oil glands and are not harmful. 3. Mongolian spots are bluish-gray birthmarks usually on the lower back or buttocks. 4. Erythema toxicum presents as red blotches on the skin shortly after birth. 5. Port-wine stain is a vascular birthmark that appears as a pink or red mark on the skin.
Question 5 of 5
Upon assessment, the RN notices that the newborn remains red at rest. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to evaluate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hematocrit. A red newborn at rest may indicate polycythemia, which increases the risk of hyperviscosity and complications. Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, so evaluating it can help determine if the newborn has polycythemia. Glucose (A) is important but not directly related to the newborn's redness. Bilirubin (B) is crucial for evaluating jaundice, not redness. Sodium (C) levels are not typically associated with a red newborn at rest.