ATI RN
Nursing Care of the Newborn and Family Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse knows that during the organizational process, the newborn will be rated as exceptionally good if they do what? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the organizational process after birth, a newborn will be rated as exceptionally good if they remain alert. This is because newborns who are alert are more likely to be responsive, have better feeding behaviors, and establish early bonding with their caregivers, promoting overall well-being. Being alert also indicates neurological maturity and readiness for interaction with the environment. Option B, highly irritable newborns with mood swings, is incorrect because these behaviors are signs of distress or immaturity rather than exceptional organization. Option C, demonstrating self-soothing and quieting techniques, while important, may not always indicate exceptional organization as it can vary among newborns. Option D, shutting down body responses to stimuli when drowsy, is also incorrect as it may indicate low arousal levels or neurological immaturity rather than exceptional organization. Educationally, understanding these behaviors helps nurses in assessing newborns' well-being and providing appropriate care and support. It also emphasizes the importance of promoting optimal newborn behavior for early bonding and development.
Question 2 of 5
A 24-hour-old newborn male was circumcised 20 minutes ago. The nurse is doing 15-minute checks of the circumcision site. It appears that the newborn has had a bowel movement as meconium is leaking from the diaper leg. He is not crying and has just soothed from the last diaper check. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D is the correct choice for the nurse to follow. Changing the newborn's diaper immediately, cleaning the meconium using water (and soap if needed), and refraining from changing the circumcision dressing until the next scheduled check is important. This approach ensures that the circumcision site is kept clean without excessive disturbance to the newborn, as frequent changes can increase the risk of infection and disrupt the healing process. Option A is incorrect because waiting an additional 10 minutes could lead to prolonged exposure of the circumcision site to meconium, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Option B is also incorrect as using packaged wipes may be too harsh for the delicate newborn skin, and immediate changes regardless of the scheduled checks may cause unnecessary disturbance. Option C is not the best choice as changing the dressing at the circumcision site immediately after cleaning the meconium may introduce unnecessary handling and increase the risk of infection. It is essential to follow a gentle and systematic approach to newborn care, considering their delicate skin and healing processes. The educational context here emphasizes the importance of proper wound care, infection prevention, and maintenance of newborn comfort and well-being in clinical practice.
Question 3 of 5
Treatment of neonatal jaundice depends on what factors? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of neonatal jaundice, the correct answer is C) age and weight of the infant. This is because the treatment of neonatal jaundice is tailored based on the age and weight of the newborn. These factors are crucial in determining the appropriate course of action as they influence the metabolism and clearance of bilirubin in the infant's body. Option A) degree of jaundice and Option B) bilirubin level are important factors to consider in assessing the severity of neonatal jaundice, but they alone do not determine the treatment approach. The age and weight of the infant play a significant role in guiding healthcare providers to decide on the most suitable treatment, whether it be phototherapy, exchange transfusion, or other interventions based on the individual needs of the baby. Option D) when jaundice began is also relevant in diagnosing the cause of neonatal jaundice, but it may not directly dictate the treatment plan as much as the infant's age and weight do. Understanding these distinctions is vital for nurses caring for newborns as it ensures that the treatment provided is both effective and safe for the infant. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when managing neonatal jaundice. It underscores the need for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to have a comprehensive understanding of neonatal physiology and the impact of various variables on treatment decisions to provide optimal care for newborns and their families.
Question 4 of 5
Parents and caregivers are strongly advised by health-care providers NOT to give their newborns aspirin for fever or pain. What is the reason for this advice?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Aspirin is linked to Reye syndrome, which is a potentially fatal condition for infants. Reye syndrome is a rare but serious disorder that can affect the brain and liver and is associated with the use of aspirin in children under the age of 18, particularly when they are recovering from a viral infection such as the flu or chickenpox. The liver damage and swelling of the brain that can occur with Reye syndrome can be life-threatening for infants and young children. Option A is incorrect because while aspirin can cause stomach upset and damage to the digestive system in individuals of any age, the main concern in newborns is the risk of Reye syndrome, not the strength of the medication. Option B is incorrect because while it is true that aspirin is not typically available in a liquid form suitable for infants, this is not the primary reason why it should not be given to newborns. Option D is incorrect because while aspirin is a blood thinner and can increase the risk of bleeding, the main concern with aspirin use in infants is the potential for Reye syndrome, not intracranial bleeding due to recent birth. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding age-specific considerations in pharmacology. It emphasizes the critical need for healthcare providers to educate parents and caregivers on safe medication practices for newborns, including the avoidance of aspirin due to its association with Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal condition in infants.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is aware that a newborn with a mother who has diabetes is at risk for what complication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and nursing care of the newborn, understanding the risk factors associated with maternal diabetes is crucial for providing safe and effective care. In this scenario, the correct answer is C) hypoglycemia. Infants born to mothers with diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia due to the abrupt cessation of the maternal glucose supply at birth. Hypoglycemia in newborns can lead to significant complications such as seizures, developmental delays, and long-term neurological issues if not promptly addressed. Therefore, nurses must closely monitor blood glucose levels in these newborns and be prepared to intervene quickly if hypoglycemia occurs. Regarding the incorrect options: A) Anemia is not a direct complication associated with maternal diabetes in newborns. B) Microcephaly is a condition characterized by a small head size and is not typically linked to maternal diabetes. D) Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to infants who are below the 10th percentile in weight for their gestational age, which can be influenced by various factors but is not directly caused by maternal diabetes. By understanding these specific risks and complications, nurses can provide targeted care and interventions to ensure the best outcomes for newborns of mothers with diabetes. This knowledge is essential for pharmacology students and practicing nurses to deliver safe and effective care in this specialized area of neonatal nursing.