Which of the following is an appropriate intervention for a neonate with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) occurs in newborns exposed to addictive substances in utero, most commonly opioids. Morphine or methadone therapy is the appropriate intervention for a neonate with NAS because it helps manage withdrawal symptoms in a controlled manner, ensuring the infant's safety and comfort during detoxification. These medications are titrated based on the infant's symptoms, reducing the risk of seizures and other complications associated with withdrawal. Nutritional support is essential for infants with NAS to promote growth and development, but it does not directly address the withdrawal symptoms. Antibiotic therapy is not indicated unless there is a concurrent infection present. Continuous positive airway pressure is used for respiratory support and would not directly address the symptoms of NAS. Educationally, it is crucial for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX to understand the specific interventions and management strategies for neonates with NAS. This knowledge ensures safe and effective care for this vulnerable population, emphasizing the importance of pharmacological interventions tailored to the infant's needs and withdrawal symptoms. It also highlights the importance of monitoring and assessing neonates with NAS closely to provide individualized care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Congenital heart defects. This is the most common congenital anomaly in neonates, affecting approximately 1% of newborns. Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities present at birth that affect the heart's function. These defects can range from simple conditions with little or no impact on health to complex, life-threatening malformations. Option B) Cleft lip and palate is a congenital anomaly, but it is not the most common in neonates. Cleft lip and palate occur when the tissues of the lip and/or palate do not fuse properly during fetal development. Option C) Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, are also congenital anomalies, but they are not as common as congenital heart defects in neonates. Neural tube defects involve incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, or their protective coverings. Option D) Clubfoot is a musculoskeletal anomaly where the foot is twisted out of shape or position, but it is not the most common congenital anomaly in neonates. Clubfoot occurs in about 1 in 1,000 births. Understanding the prevalence and importance of congenital anomalies in neonates is crucial for pediatric nurses and healthcare providers. Recognizing and managing these conditions early can significantly impact the long-term health outcomes of newborns. By knowing the most common anomalies, healthcare professionals can be better prepared to provide appropriate care and support to these vulnerable patients and their families.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Therapeutic hypothermia as the first-line treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates. This intervention involves lowering the body temperature to reduce brain injury and improve neurological outcomes in newborns who have experienced perinatal asphyxia. Surfactant therapy (B) is not the first-line treatment for HIE in neonates. Surfactant is primarily used to treat respiratory distress syndrome by improving lung function, not neurological conditions. Ventilator support (C) is a supportive measure to assist breathing in neonates with respiratory issues but is not the first-line treatment for HIE. Diuretics (D) are used to manage specific conditions like edema or heart failure and are not indicated as the primary treatment for HIE. Educationally, understanding the appropriate interventions for neonates with HIE is crucial for pediatric nurses and healthcare providers to optimize patient outcomes. Therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to be effective in reducing brain injury and improving long-term neurological outcomes, making it a critical component of care for neonates with HIE.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Blood loss. In preterm neonates, the most common cause of anemia is blood loss due to their immature gastrointestinal system, which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Preterm infants are at higher risk for developing anemia due to their reduced iron stores at birth and increased requirements for growth and development. Option A) Infection is not the most common cause of anemia in preterm neonates. While infections can contribute to anemia, blood loss is more prevalent in this population. Option C) Iron deficiency may lead to anemia in infants but is not the most common cause in preterm neonates. Their anemia is mainly attributed to blood loss. Option D) Immature bone marrow is not the primary cause of anemia in preterm neonates. While their bone marrow may be immature, the key factor leading to anemia in this population is blood loss. Educationally, understanding the specific causes of anemia in preterm neonates is crucial for nurses caring for this vulnerable population. Recognizing the primary etiology of anemia can guide appropriate interventions and treatment to improve outcomes for these neonates. Nurses need to be aware of the unique risk factors and common conditions that can impact the health of preterm infants to provide optimal care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In managing a neonate with apnea, the most appropriate first-line intervention is B) Caffeine therapy. Caffeine is a respiratory stimulant that helps stimulate the central nervous system, increasing the drive to breathe. It is commonly used in neonates to treat apnea of prematurity. Caffeine therapy has been shown to decrease the frequency of apnea episodes, reduce the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation, and improve overall respiratory outcomes in premature infants. Option A) Surfactant therapy is used in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome, not apnea. Surfactant helps keep the alveoli open and prevents collapse. Option C) Endotracheal intubation is a more invasive intervention and is typically reserved for neonates who do not respond to less invasive measures like caffeine therapy. Option D) Positive pressure ventilation is used when a neonate fails to respond to initial respiratory support measures like caffeine therapy and may require mechanical ventilation to support breathing. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate interventions for neonatal apnea is crucial for nurses caring for newborns in various settings, such as neonatal intensive care units or pediatric wards. Knowing when to initiate caffeine therapy as a first-line intervention can help prevent complications associated with apnea and improve outcomes for neonates at risk.