ATI RN
Caring for a Newborn who is Experiencing Complications ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which maternal risk factor places the high-risk neonate at greatest risk for developing sepsis after delivery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, maternal fever. Maternal fever is a significant risk factor for neonatal sepsis as it indicates an ongoing infection in the mother which can be transmitted to the baby during delivery. Fever is a common sign of infection, and neonates are particularly vulnerable to sepsis due to their immature immune systems. Rupture of membranes at delivery (choice A) can increase the risk of infection but is not as direct a risk factor as maternal fever. The father having the flu (choice B) is not directly related to maternal risk factors. History of herpes simplex virus (HSV) treated with Valtrex (choice D) is a concern, but maternal fever has a more immediate impact on neonatal sepsis risk.
Question 2 of 5
The labor and delivery nurse is present for the delivery of a premature neonate. Which action by the nurse is most important?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stabilize and transfer neonate to NICU. This is the most important action because premature neonates require immediate specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to address their unique medical needs and increase their chances of survival. Stabilizing the neonate involves assessment, monitoring vital signs, providing respiratory support if needed, and ensuring a safe transition to the NICU. Reviewing pregnancy history (B) is important but not as urgent as immediate stabilization and transfer. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance (C) and providing a neutral temperature environment (D) are also important but secondary to the critical need for specialized care in the NICU.
Question 3 of 5
A mother of a premature neonate in NICU asks the nurse when her baby will begin getting oral feedings. The nurse is aware that multiple conditions are desired. Which condition is most essential?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: Cardiorespiratory regulation is the most essential condition for initiating oral feedings in a premature neonate. This is crucial to ensure the baby can safely coordinate breathing and swallowing during feeding, reducing the risk of aspiration and other complications. If the baby's cardiorespiratory system is not stable, oral feedings could pose a serious risk to their health. Proper feeding actions (Choice A) are important but depend on the baby's ability to regulate their breathing and heart rate. Hunger cues (Choice C) and maintaining a quiet alert state (Choice D) are secondary considerations to cardiorespiratory stability in this context.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is providing care for a premature neonate born at 28 weeks gestation who is experiencing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the neonate’s respiratory status is deteriorating?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A Pao2 of 48 and Paco2 of 55 mm Hg on 90% oxygen indicates severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia, suggesting worsening respiratory status in a neonate with RDS. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. Hypoxemia (low Pao2) indicates inadequate oxygenation, which can lead to tissue hypoxia and organ damage. 2. Hypercapnia (high Paco2) is a sign of inadequate ventilation and respiratory acidosis. 3. High oxygen requirement (90%) despite low Pao2 suggests poor oxygen exchange. 4. Overall, these findings point to respiratory failure and deterioration in the neonate's condition. Summary: B is incorrect because an elevated respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism for respiratory distress. C is incorrect as decreased breath sounds can be expected in RDS. D is incorrect as an elevated heart rate can be a compensatory response to hypoxemia
Question 5 of 5
A patient who is at 41 weeks gestation is concerned when the primary care provider decides to induce labor. Which reason does the nurse explain as the most important need for this procedure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Risk for placental dysfunction. At 41 weeks gestation, the placenta may start to deteriorate, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus, increasing the risk of stillbirth. Inducing labor can prevent this complication and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. A: Increasing size of the neonate - While fetal size can be a consideration for induction, it is not the most important reason at 41 weeks gestation. B: Ability to deliver vaginally - Inducing labor does not solely depend on the ability to deliver vaginally, as other factors like fetal well-being take precedence. D: Likelihood of meconium aspiration - Meconium aspiration is a risk in post-term pregnancies, but it is not the primary reason for inducing labor at 41 weeks gestation.