ATI RN
Nursing Care of the Newborn and Family Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse provides discharge instructions to a parent about umbilical cord care. What statement by the parent indicates effective health teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct response as it demonstrates an understanding of proper umbilical cord care. Using water and mild soap for cleaning when the stump is dirty is the recommended method by healthcare providers to prevent infection while allowing the cord to dry and fall off naturally. Option A is incorrect as tub baths should be avoided until the stump has completely healed to reduce the risk of infection. Option B is incorrect since cleaning the stump with antiseptics daily can be too harsh and may delay the natural healing process. Option D is also incorrect because applying antibiotic ointment daily is not necessary and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and evidence-based discharge instructions to parents regarding newborn care. It highlights the significance of promoting natural healing processes and preventing unnecessary interventions that could potentially harm the newborn's health. It also underscores the role of nurses in educating parents on best practices for neonatal care to ensure optimal outcomes for newborns and families.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
When educating the parents of a newborn about newborn positions, patterns, and cues, what statement by the mother confirms that more teaching is needed?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D is the statement that indicates the need for further teaching. This is because the statement suggests that a baby will fuss, get irritable, or cry inconsolably when starting to get sleepy, which is not a typical newborn behavior. Newborns usually exhibit subtle cues such as yawning, rubbing eyes, looking away, or ignoring stimuli when they are sleepy or overstimulated. Option A correctly identifies a common newborn behavior of yawning or rubbing eyes when sleepy. Option B also accurately describes how babies may react when they are overstimulated or tired by looking away or ignoring stimuli. Option C highlights how crying or fussing can occur when caregivers miss recognizing the baby's earlier sleep cues. To improve the educational content, it is essential to emphasize the importance of understanding and responding to the subtle cues that newborns display when they are tired or overstimulated. Teaching parents to recognize these cues can help them respond promptly to their baby's needs, fostering a stronger parent-child bond and promoting better sleep patterns for the newborn. Additionally, educating parents on responsive caregiving practices can lead to a more positive and supportive environment for the newborn's development.