Which of the following is the most common cause of respiratory distress in full-term neonates?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In full-term neonates, the most common cause of respiratory distress is transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). TTN occurs due to inadequate absorption of fetal lung fluid after birth, leading to retention of fluid in the lungs and resulting in respiratory distress. This condition typically improves within 24-72 hours without specific treatment. Option A, meconium aspiration, occurs when a newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid before or during delivery. While this is a serious condition, it is less common than TTN in full-term neonates. Option C, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), is more commonly seen in preterm neonates due to immature lung development. It is caused by a deficiency of surfactant in the lungs, leading to atelectasis and respiratory distress. Option D, infection, can cause respiratory distress in neonates, but it is not the most common cause in full-term infants. Infections may present with other signs and symptoms in addition to respiratory distress. Understanding the common causes of respiratory distress in neonates is crucial for nurses caring for newborns. Recognizing TTN as a common and usually self-limiting condition helps nurses provide appropriate care and reassurance to both the infant and their parents. It is essential to differentiate between these conditions to ensure timely and effective management of respiratory distress in neonates.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the management of a neonate with suspected congenital heart disease, the first step should be to perform an echocardiogram (Option B). This is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific type of congenital heart defect present. Echocardiography provides detailed information about the structure and function of the heart, guiding further management decisions. Administering prostaglandin (Option A) is often the next step after confirming the diagnosis of certain congenital heart defects, as it helps maintain ductal patency and improve cardiac output. However, this should only be done after a definitive diagnosis via echocardiogram. Starting antibiotics (Option C) is not the initial step in managing congenital heart disease. While infection prevention is important in these patients, it is not the first priority in this scenario. Oxygen therapy (Option D) may be necessary if the neonate is hypoxic, but it does not address the underlying issue of congenital heart disease and should not be the first step in management. Educationally, understanding the stepwise approach to managing neonates with suspected congenital heart disease is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers working in pediatric settings. This knowledge ensures timely and appropriate interventions, leading to better outcomes for these vulnerable patients.

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.