Question 1

The nurse is administering erythromycin (Ilotycin) ointment to a newborn. What factors are associated with administration of this medication?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.

Accepted Answer

Erythromycin ointment is instilled in the lower conjunctival sac, and the eyelids are gently massaged to distribute it. It can cause temporary blurred vision, interfering with the baby's ability to focus.

Question 2

The nurse teaches the parents of an infant who was recently circumcised to observe for bleeding. What should the parents be taught to do if bleeding does occur?

Accepted Answer

If bleeding occurs at the circumcision site, applying gentle pressure with sterile gauze is an appropriate action to help control the bleeding. This method is safe and effective, and it directly addresses the issue without causing additional harm to the infant.

Question 3

The nurse has just assisted the father in bathing the newborn 2 hours after birth. The nurse explains that the newborn must remain in the radiant warmer. This is based on which assessment data?

Accepted Answer

Newborns are at risk for hypothermia due to their large surface area relative to body mass and limited ability to generate heat. A temperature of 96.8°F indicates the newborn is hypothermic, hence the need for a radiant warmer to help regulate body temperature.

Question 4

In planning care for a new family immediately after birth, which procedure would the nurse most likely withhold for 1 hour to allow time for the family to bond with the newborn?

Accepted Answer

Eye prophylaxis medication is typically delayed for about 1 hour after birth to allow time for the family to bond with the newborn without interference. Immediate procedures like drying the newborn and assessing vital signs are essential for the newborn's well-being and are done promptly. Vitamin K injection is also important but does not interfere significantly with bonding and can be administered shortly after birth.

Question 5

The nurse tells a mother that the doctor is preparing to circumcise her newborn. The mother expresses concern that the infant will be uncomfortable during the procedure. The nurse explains that the physician will numb the area before the procedure. Additional methods of comfort often used during the procedure include which of the following?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.

Accepted Answer

Providing a pacifier, stroking the head, and talking to the infant are non-pharmacological methods used to comfort and soothe the infant during procedures like circumcision. Restraining both arms and legs is not a comfort measure, and giving a sedative is not typically used for newborn circumcision.

Question 6

To maintain a healthy temperature in the newborn, which of the following actions should be taken?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.

Accepted Answer

Keeping the newborn's clothing and bedding dry, reducing exposure to drafts, and encouraging skin-to-skin contact with the mother under blankets help maintain a healthy temperature.

Question 7

The nurse assesses a sleeping 1-hour-old, 39-weeks'-gestation newborn. The assessment data that would be of greatest concern would be which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Respirations 68 breaths/minute is concerning because it indicates tachypnea, which is a respiratory rate higher than the normal range for newborns (30-60 breaths per minute). This could be a sign of respiratory distress or an underlying condition requiring further assessment and intervention.

Question 8

A nurse is instructing nursing students about the procedure for vitamin K administration. What information should be included?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse is instructing nursing students about...

Question 9

The parents of a newborn male ask the nurse whether they should circumcise their son. What is the best response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should provide balanced information, acknowledging potential complications and inviting questions to support informed decision-making by the parents.

Question 10

The nurse has received the shift change report on infants born within the previous 4 hours. Which newborn should the nurse see first?

Accepted Answer

Nasal flaring in a newborn is a sign of respiratory distress, which requires immediate assessment and intervention by the nurse. Respiratory distress can lead to significant morbidity if not addressed promptly. The other options, while important, do not indicate immediate life-threatening conditions.

Question 11

The nurse assesses the newborn and notes the following behaviors: nasal flaring, facial grimacing, and excessive mucus. What is the nurse most concerned about?

Accepted Answer

These symptoms—nasal flaring, facial grimacing, and excessive mucus—are indicative of respiratory distress in a newborn. Neonatal jaundice, hypothermia, and hyperthermia present with different clinical signs.

Question 12

A newborn delivered at term is being discharged. The parents ask the nurse how to keep their baby warm. The nurse knows additional teaching is necessary if a parent states which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Quick cool baths are not recommended for newborns as they can lose body heat very quickly. Newborns need to be kept warm and stable, and cool baths can lead to hypothermia.

Question 13

To promote infant security in the hospital, the nurse instructs the parents of a newborn to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Checking the identification of all personnel who transport the newborn is a critical measure to ensure that the baby is only handled by authorized hospital staff, enhancing the infant's security.

Question 14

The nurse initiates newborn admission procedures and evaluates the newborn's need to remain under observation by assessing which of the following?
Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate, airway clearance, and ability to feed are critical assessments for determining a newborn's need for observation. These factors are essential for ensuring the newborn is breathing properly, has a clear airway for effective breathing, and can feed, which is crucial for nutrition and hydration. Skin texture and head weight are not primary indicators for the need for observation in the immediate postnatal period.

Question 15

A postpartum mother is concerned that her newborn has not had a stool since birth. The newborn is 18 hours old. What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

The passage of the first stool, which is called meconium, within 48 hours after birth is considered normal for newborns.

Question 16

The nurse is caring for a newborn who was recently circumcised. Which nursing intervention is appropriate following the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Observing for urine output is important to ensure that there is no urinary obstruction or complications following the circumcision.

Question 17

The nurse has instructed a new mother on quieting activities for her newborn. The nurse knows that the mother understands when she overhears the mother telling the father to do what?

Accepted Answer

Swaddling a newborn in a blanket is a recognized quieting activity that can help soothe and calm a baby. It mimics the snugness of the womb, providing a sense of security.

Question 18

The nurse is caring for four newborns who have recently been admitted to the newborn nursery. Which labor event puts the newborn at risk for an alteration of health?

Accepted Answer

The infant's mother having group B streptococcal (GBS) disease puts the newborn at risk for an alteration of health because GBS can be transmitted to the infant during delivery, potentially causing serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis.

Question 19

At birth, an infant weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces. Three days later, the newborn is being discharged. The parents note that the baby now weighs 7 pounds 15 ounces. The nurse explains that the change in the newborn's weight is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

It is normal for newborns to lose up to 7-10% of their birth weight in the first few days of life. The baby lost 5 ounces, which is within this expected range, hence the weight change is within normal limits.

Question 20

Before the newborn and mother are discharged from the birthing unit, the nurse teaches the parents about newborn screening tests that includes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Newborn screening typically includes hearing screening to identify any early hearing issues that can affect a child's language and social development. Preeclampsia screening is related to the mother's health during pregnancy, not the newborn. Congenital kidney disease and visual screenings are not standard immediate post-birth screenings, though they may be assessed if there's a specific indication or as part of broader pediatric care later.

Quiz 28: The Normal Newborn: Needs and Care

The nurse is administering erythromycin (Ilotycin) ointment to a newborn. What factors are associated with administration of this medication? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.