Which statement is the most accurate regarding suctioning of the oral and nasal passages of a newborn?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Suction the nose and then the mouth of the newborn to prevent aspiration. This is the most accurate statement because suctioning the nose first prevents any mucus or secretions from being pushed into the mouth during suctioning. Aspiration can occur if the baby inhales any secretions. Suctioning the mouth after the nose ensures that any remaining secretions are cleared. Choice A is incorrect because compressing the bulb syringe after insertion can cause trauma to the delicate nasal passages. Choice C is incorrect as using saline before suctioning is not necessary and may increase the risk of aspiration. Choice D is incorrect as placing the bulb syringe on the side of the infant's cheek is not an effective method for suctioning the mouth or nose.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cesarean deliveries do not allow for thoracic squeeze of fluid. During vaginal delivery, the infant's thorax undergoes a squeezing motion which helps to expel the amniotic fluid from the lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory issues. In contrast, infants delivered via cesarean section do not experience this thoracic squeeze, potentially leading to a higher risk of respiratory problems. A is incorrect because infants delivered via cesarean section may actually have higher risks of transitional problems due to the lack of thoracic squeeze. B is incorrect as vaginal deliveries facilitate the natural process of clearing lung fluid. D is incorrect as vaginal deliveries are the preferred method for term infants when possible, as they provide various benefits for both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heart rate of 180 bpm. A high heart rate in a newborn is concerning as it could indicate distress or a medical condition. A heart rate of 180 bpm is significantly above the normal range for a newborn (120-160 bpm), requiring immediate attention to assess and address the underlying cause, such as infection or cardiac issues. A: Capillary refill time of 3 seconds is within the normal range (less than 3 seconds is normal). C: Respiratory rate of 65 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but not as critical as a high heart rate. D: Apgar score of 8 at 5 minutes is a good score, indicating the baby is in overall good condition, but it does not address the immediate concern of a high heart rate.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clotting problems can occur in infants because they don't receive food right away. This is the best response as it explains the importance of the shot in preventing clotting issues due to delayed feeding. Infants are at risk of developing clotting problems since they don't receive food immediately after birth. Incorrect choices: A: Incorrect because the shot is not primarily aimed at preventing eye infections. B: Incorrect because the umbilical cord is not the main concern for the shot. C: Incorrect because hospital policy is not the reason for administering the shot. In summary, choice D is correct as it addresses a critical issue related to infant health, while the other choices do not focus on the primary reason for the shot administration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Swabbing the umbilical cord with alcohol or water daily until it falls off is the recommended care to prevent infection. Alcohol helps dry out the cord stump, promoting faster healing. - A: Washing the newborn every day in water can introduce bacteria and moisture to the cord, increasing infection risk. - B: Using soap on the umbilical cord can irritate the skin and delay healing. - C: It's normal for the umbilical cord to fall off within 1-2 weeks, so there's no need to notify the practitioner unless there are signs of infection.