ATI RN
Nursing Care of the Newborn and Family Questions
Question 1 of 5
The perinatal nurse teaches the new mother and her family about appropriate infant care to prevent complaints. Information given would include which of the following instructions?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Keep the base of the umbilical cord clean and dry. This instruction is crucial for preventing infection in the newborn. The umbilical cord stump is a potential entry point for bacteria, so keeping it clean and dry reduces the risk of infection. This teaching is essential for new parents to ensure the health and well-being of their newborn. Option A) Apply a mild soap and lotion to dry skin is incorrect because newborn skin is delicate and sensitive. Using soap and lotion can irritate the skin and disrupt the natural balance, leading to dryness or rashes. Option B) Change diapers frequently following circumcision is incorrect in the context of preventing complaints related to umbilical cord care. While changing diapers frequently is important for overall hygiene, it is not directly related to caring for the umbilical cord stump. Option D) Take rectal temperatures twice a day for a week is incorrect because it is not a standard recommendation for routine infant care. Rectal temperatures in infants require specific techniques and can be uncomfortable for the newborn. It is not necessary to take rectal temperatures unless advised by a healthcare provider for a specific reason. Educationally, teaching new parents about appropriate infant care is crucial in promoting the health and well-being of newborns. Providing accurate and clear instructions empowers parents to care for their baby effectively and confidently. Understanding the rationale behind each instruction helps parents make informed decisions and ensures the best possible outcomes for their newborn.
Question 2 of 5
A neonatal nurse is demonstrating the proper technique for assessing a newborns pulse. What technique does the nurse demonstrate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) and multiply by 2. This technique is correct because assessing a newborn's pulse involves palpating the pulse for 30 seconds and then multiplying by 2 to determine the beats per minute. This method is used in newborn assessments due to their rapid heart rates, making it more accurate than trying to count for a full minute. Option A) Assessing the point of maximal impulse and then auscultating the apical rate for 1 minute is more commonly used in adults rather than newborns. It is not the most appropriate technique for assessing a newborn's pulse. Option C) Palpating the brachial pulse with two fingers for 30 seconds is not the recommended method for assessing a newborn's pulse. Palpating the brachial pulse is more commonly done in older children and adults rather than newborns. In an educational context, understanding the correct technique for assessing a newborn's pulse is crucial for neonatal nurses to provide accurate and timely care to newborns. By mastering this skill, nurses can quickly assess a vital sign that can provide important information about the newborn's cardiovascular health.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse has been caring for a neonate with the nursing diagnosis of imbalanced body temperature. What assessment finding indicates to the nurse that goals for this diagnosis have been met?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Temperature of 99.2F (37.3C). Achieving a stable body temperature within the normal range is a crucial goal for a neonate with imbalanced body temperature. Monitoring the infant's temperature is a direct and objective way to assess this parameter. Option A) Hands and feet turn pink may indicate improved peripheral circulation but do not directly confirm the achievement of a stable body temperature. Option B) Infant stops shivering is a sign of the body's attempt to generate heat, but it does not confirm whether the body temperature has reached a normal range. Option C) Pink and warm skin is a positive sign, but it does not provide a specific measurement of the body temperature. Educationally, it is vital for nurses to understand the significance of monitoring body temperature accurately in neonates as they are more vulnerable to temperature imbalances. By selecting the option D as the correct answer, nurses can ensure the infant's well-being and make informed decisions regarding further interventions if needed.
Question 4 of 5
A new nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin (Eyemycin) to an infant. What action by the new nurse would lead the precepting nurse to intervene?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Prepares to administer the medication 4 hours after birth. The administration of erythromycin ointment to newborns is typically done within the first hour after birth to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea. Delaying the administration by 4 hours increases the risk of infection transmission to the newborn. Option A is incorrect because applying the medication in a thin strip to each eye is the correct technique for administering erythromycin ointment. Option C is incorrect because starting to administer the medication at the inner canthus is the proper technique to ensure the ointment spreads over the eye. Option D is incorrect because it is important to inform parents that mild irritation can occur as a common side effect of the medication. In an educational context, understanding the correct timing and technique for medication administration in newborns is crucial for nursing care. This knowledge ensures the safety and well-being of the infant, highlighting the importance of adhering to evidence-based practices in pharmacology within the neonatal care setting.
Question 5 of 5
A faculty member is supervising a student who is preparing to administer vitamin K1 phytonadione (Aqual/EPHYTON) to an infant. What action by the student prompts the faculty member to intervene?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Draws up 0.5 mg/kg. The reason this action prompts the faculty member to intervene is that vitamin K1 phytonadione should be administered as a single, intramuscular dose of 0.5 to 1 mg shortly after birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease in newborns. Dosage calculations are crucial in pediatric pharmacology to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications. Administering the incorrect dosage could lead to adverse effects or inadequate treatment. Option A) choosing a 25-gauge needle is incorrect as it is a suitable size for infant intramuscular injections. Option C) gently rubbing the injection site is also appropriate as it can help reduce discomfort. Option D) using a 1-mL syringe is acceptable for accurately measuring and administering the correct dosage. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of accurate dosage calculation and administration in pediatric pharmacology. It emphasizes the need for precision and attention to detail when administering medications to neonates to prevent medication errors and ensure optimal patient outcomes. Students need to be proficient in pediatric dosages and medication administration to provide safe and effective care to newborns and their families.