1. An infant boy was born just a few minutes ago. The nurse is conducting the initial assessment. Part of the assessment includes the Apgar score. The
... [Show More] Apgar assessment is performed:
a. only if the newborn is in obvious distress.
b. once by the obstetrician, just after the birth.
c. at least twice, 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
d. every 15 minutes during the newborn's first hour after birth. answer ✓✓ ANS: C
Apgar scoring is performed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. Scoring may continue at 5-minute intervals if the infant is in distress and requires resuscitation efforts
2. A new father wants to know what medication was put into his infant's eyes and why it is needed. The nurse explains to the father that the purpose of the erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is to:
a. destroy an infectious exudate caused by Staphylococcus that could make the infant blind.
b. prevent gonorrheal and chlamydial infection of the infant's eyes potentially acquired from the birth canal.
c. prevent potentially harmful exudate from invading the tear ducts of the infant's eyes, leading to dry eyes.
d. prevent the infant's eyelids from sticking together and help the infant see. answer ✓✓ ANS: B
The purpose of the erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is to prevent gonorrheal and chlamydial infection of the infant's eyes potentially acquired from the birth canal. Prophylactic ophthalmic ointment is instilled in the eyes of all neonates to prevent gonorrheal or chlamydial infection. Prophylactic ophthalmic ointment is not instilled to prevent dry eyes. Prophylactic ophthalmic ointment has no bearing on vision other than to protect against infection that may lead to vision problems.
3. A 3.8-kg infant was delivered vaginally at 39 weeks after a 30-minute second stage. There was a nuchal cord. After birth the infant is noted to have petechiae over the face and upper back. Information given to the infant's parents should be based on the knowledge that petechiae:
a. are benign if they disappear within 48 hours of birth. [Show Less]