Question 1

Lung maturity of a newborn can be determined by assessing

Accepted Answer

The lung maturity of a newborn can be determined by assessing the lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) levels. They are essential components for promoting pulmonary oxygenation, maintaining open functioning alveoli, and decreasing lung surface tension.

Question 2

Premature newborns are more at risk than newborns that are full term for developing which respiratory condition?

Accepted Answer

Premature newborns are more at risk for developing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) than newborns that are full-term because they have inadequate amounts of surfactant.

Question 3

Premature newborns are at higher risk for temperature instability than newborns that are full term due to their

Accepted Answer

Premature newborns have thinner skin than newborns that are full term, which contributes to the potential for hypothermia through the process of evaporation or evaporative heat loss.

Question 4

The objective of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is to

Accepted Answer

The objective of the NICU is to simulate an intrauterine environment as much as possible to promote as normal as achievable growth and development in the high-risk newborn.

Question 5

The body system with the most commonly observed complications in a premature newborn is the

Accepted Answer

Respiratory complications are the most common issue in premature newborns, and they often require monitoring and pharmacological interventions.

Question 6

At delivery, appropriate care for a newborn is determined by

Accepted Answer

Gestational age and weight should be assessed at delivery to determine appropriate care for the newborn.

Question 7

A premature female newborn is delivered vaginally without the use of any instruments, had a low birth weight, and is currently breastfeeding. Which of these factors increases the newborn's risk for developing an infection?

Accepted Answer

The risk factors for developing an infection in a premature newborn include male sex, administration of antibiotics, low socioeconomic status, low birth weight, use of instruments in delivery, surgical procedures, increase in maternal temperature, maternal infection, and more. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of developing an infection.

Question 8

Which organism causes both early-onset and late-onset sepsis infections?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli is a bacterial organism that can cause both early-onset and late-onset sepsis infections. Candida species and Malassezia furfur cause late-onset sepsis, and Neisseria meningitides cause early-onset sepsis.

Question 9

Which symptom is a neurological change associated with newborn infections?

Accepted Answer

Neurological symptoms of infection in newborns include irritability, lethargy, seizures, and apnea as a manifestation of seizure.

Question 10

The Apgar score of a newborn with a weak cry, heart rate of 98 bpm, irregular respirations, pink body with blue extremities, and full flexion with active movement would be

Accepted Answer

The Apgar score for this newborn would be 6. The categories for Apgar score are heart rate, respirations, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. This newborn scores 1 for heart rate <100 bpm, 1 for irregular respirations, 2 for full flexion with active movement, 1 for weak cry, and 1 for pink body with blue extremities.

Question 11

What areas of the body should the nurse use to assess the color portion of the Apgar score in a newborn with darker skin?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should assess color in a newborn with darker skin by visualizing the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the roof of the mouth.

Question 12

Family-centered care of a newborn in the NICU includes requiring family members to learn how to do which of the following? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Family members of a newborn who receives care in the NICU are required to complete a CPR class so that they can perform CPR on their newborn if needed after discharge. The family may also learn about symptoms of possible complications, environmental and sleep safety measures, medication and oxygen administration, skin care, nutritional instructions related to appropriate age and weight, and calorie formula administration or breastfeeding.

Question 13

Which class of medication that may be administered to a premature newborn should be withdrawn slowly to prevent complications?

Accepted Answer

Methylxanthines, such as caffeine citrate, are central nervous system and respiratory system stimulants, which are used to prevent and treat apnea in newborns. The therapeutic level of caffeine should be assessed weekly, and the medication should not be stopped abruptly due to the potential for complications.

Question 14

Vitamin K is administered to newborns within 1 to 2 hours after birth via which route?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin K is administered intramuscularly within 1 to 2 hours after birth to prevent and treat hypoprothrombinemia and hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Question 15

To maintain an adequate nutrition status, a newborn needs to be fed (refer to Case Study 3: Newborn Nutrition)

Accepted Answer

A newborn needs to be fed every 2 to 4 hours. Newborns require 110 to 120 kcal/kg/day and should consume a total of 20 to 24 ounces from combined feeding types every 24 hours.

Quiz 13: Prematurity and Newborn Complications