What is the primary treatment for a neonate diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer for the question regarding the primary treatment for a neonate diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is B) Antibiotics. Explanation: Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious condition in newborns characterized by inflammation and death of intestinal tissue. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for NEC as they help combat the infection that is causing the inflammation in the bowel. By targeting the infectious agents, antibiotics can help prevent further progression of the disease and support the healing process in the affected intestines. Why other options are incorrect: A) Intravenous fluids: While hydration is an important aspect of managing NEC, intravenous fluids alone cannot treat the underlying infection causing NEC. C) Surfactant therapy: Surfactant therapy is used to treat respiratory distress syndrome in newborns, not NEC. D) Surgical resection of the bowel: Surgery may be required in severe cases of NEC where there is bowel perforation or necrosis, but antibiotics are the primary treatment before considering surgical intervention. Educational context: Understanding the appropriate treatment for NEC is crucial for nurses caring for neonates, as prompt recognition and intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes. By knowing that antibiotics are the primary treatment for NEC, nurses can collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure timely administration of antibiotics to neonates with suspected or confirmed NEC, thus improving patient care and potentially preventing complications associated with the condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In neonates, the most common cause of anemia is blood loss, making option A the correct answer. Neonates are at risk for blood loss due to various factors such as fetal-maternal transfusion, placental abruption, or traumatic delivery. This can lead to decreased red blood cell count and subsequent anemia. Option B, iron deficiency, is less common in neonates as they are born with sufficient iron stores from the mother. Iron deficiency anemia typically presents later in infancy or childhood when these stores are depleted. Option C, hemolytic disease of the newborn, occurs when there is an incompatibility between the mother and baby's blood types leading to the destruction of the baby's red blood cells. While this is a significant cause of anemia in newborns, it is not the most common. Option D, infection, can lead to anemia in neonates but is usually secondary to conditions like sepsis rather than being the primary cause of anemia in this population. Understanding the common causes of anemia in neonates is crucial for nurses caring for this population as it can impact their assessment, monitoring, and interventions to ensure optimal outcomes for these vulnerable patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Idiopathic. In the context of preterm birth, "idiopathic" means that the cause is unknown. Preterm birth refers to a baby being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. It is important to note that preterm birth can have various causes, and in many cases, the exact reason remains unknown, hence being labeled as idiopathic. Option A) Infection can be a cause of preterm birth, particularly if the mother contracts certain infections during pregnancy that can lead to premature labor. However, it is not the most common cause overall. Option B) Multiple gestation, which means carrying more than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc.), can increase the risk of preterm birth due to factors like early labor or the babies not having enough space to grow. While it is a significant risk factor, it is not the most common cause of preterm birth. Option C) Hypertension, specifically conditions like preeclampsia, can indeed lead to preterm birth because of potential complications that may arise necessitating early delivery. However, it is not the most common cause of preterm birth. Educationally, understanding the various potential causes of preterm birth is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working with pediatric populations. It allows for better assessment, management, and prevention strategies to improve outcomes for both the mother and the preterm infant. Recognizing idiopathic preterm birth highlights the complexity of maternal-fetal health and the need for further research to better understand and address this significant public health issue.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Pulmonary hypoplasia. In neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), the most common cause of hypoxia is pulmonary hypoplasia. CDH is a condition where there is a defect in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity, which can lead to underdevelopment of the lungs (pulmonary hypoplasia). This underdevelopment results in reduced lung capacity and compromised gas exchange, leading to hypoxia. Option A) Obstructed airways is not the most common cause of hypoxia in neonates with CDH. While airway obstruction can contribute to respiratory distress, it is not the primary issue in CDH. Option C) Heart failure is not typically a direct cause of hypoxia in neonates with CDH. Although heart failure can occur as a complication of CDH due to the increased pressure on the heart from pulmonary hypertension, it is not the most common cause of hypoxia in these patients. Option D) Meconium aspiration is not the most common cause of hypoxia in neonates with CDH. Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when a newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid, leading to airway obstruction and respiratory distress, but it is not the primary concern in CDH patients. Understanding the specific causes of hypoxia in neonates with CDH is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers involved in the care of these patients. By recognizing that pulmonary hypoplasia is the primary issue, appropriate nursing interventions can be implemented to optimize respiratory support and improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pediatric respiratory distress, understanding the complications of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is crucial for nurses. The most common complication of PROM is infection (Option A). When the amniotic sac ruptures before term, it exposes the fetus to the vaginal flora, increasing the risk of ascending infections such as chorioamnionitis, which can lead to neonatal sepsis and respiratory distress. Option B, preterm labor, is a consequence of PROM but not the most common complication. PROM can indeed trigger contractions and premature delivery, but infection remains the primary concern. Placental abruption (Option C) and fetal growth restriction (Option D) are not directly related to PROM. Placental abruption is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, leading to fetal distress but not a common complication of PROM. Fetal growth restriction may occur due to various factors but is not the immediate concern following PROM. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the potential complications of PROM in pediatric nursing. Nurses need to be vigilant in monitoring for signs of infection in neonates born to mothers with PROM to provide timely interventions and prevent respiratory distress and other serious complications.