OF THE NEWBORN AT RISK. EXAM 2025
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A newborn with severe meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is not responding to
conventional treatment. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate as possibly
necessary for this newborn?
A) Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
B) Respiratory support with a ventilator
C) Insertion of a laryngoscope for deep suctioning
D) Replacement of an endotracheal tube via x-ray - ANS A) Extracorporeal membrane
oxygenation (ECMO)
Ans: A
Feedback:
If conventional measures are ineffective, then the nurse would need to prepare the newborn
for ECMO. Hyperoxygenation, ventilatory support, and suctioning are typically used initially to
promote tissue perfusion. However, if these are ineffective, ECMO would be the next step.
Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess in a newborn who develops sepsis?
A) Increased urinary output
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B) Interest in feeding
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, C) Hypothermia/temp instability
D) Wakefulness - ANS C) Hypothermia/temp instability
Ans: C
Feedback:
Manifestations of sepsis are typically nonspecific and may include hypothermia (temperature
instability), oliguria or anuria, lack of interest in feeding, and lethargy.
Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan of care for a newborn receiving
phototherapy?
A) Keeping the newborn in the supine position
B) Covering the newborn's eyes while under the bililights
C) Ensuring that the newborn is covered or clothed
D) Reducing the amount of fluid intake to 8 ounces daily - ANS B) Covering the newborn's
eyes while under the bililights
Ans: B
Feedback:
During phototherapy, the newborn's eyes are covered to protect them from the lights. The
newborn is turned every 2 hours to expose all areas of the body to the lights and is kept
undressed, except for the diaper area, to provide maximum body exposure to the lights. Fluid
intake is increased to allow for added fluid, protein, and calories.
A newborn has been diagnosed with a Group B streptococcal infection shortly after birth. The
nurse understands that the newborn most likely acquired this infection from which of the
following?
A) Improper handwashing
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B) Contaminated formula
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, C) Nonsterile catheter insertion
D) Mother's birth canal - ANS D) Mother's birth canal
Ans: D
Feedback:
Most often, a newborn develops a Group B streptococcus infection during the birthing process
when the newborn comes into contact with an infected birth canal. Improper handwashing,
contaminated formula, and nonsterile catheter insertion would most likely lead to a late-onset
infection, which typically occurs in the nursery due to horizontal transmission.
Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to take when a newborn has an
unexpected anomaly at birth?
A) Show the newborn to the parents as soon as possible while explaining the defect.
B) Remove the newborn from the birthing area immediately.
C) Inform the parents that there is nothing wrong at the moment.
D) Tell the parents that the newborn must go to the nursery immediately. - ANS A) Show the
newborn to the parents as soon as possible while explaining the defect.
Ans: A
Feedback:
When an anomaly is identified at or after birth, parents need to be informed promptly and
given a realistic appraisal of the severity of the condition, the prognosis, and treatment options
so that they can participate in all decisions concerning their child. Removing the newborn from
the area or telling them that the newborn needs to go to the nursery immediately is
inappropriate and would only add to the parents' anxieties and fears. Telling them that nothing
is wrong is inappropriate because it violates their right to know.
The nurse prepares to administer a gavage feeding for a newborn with transient tachypnea
based on the understanding that this type of feeding is necessary for which reason?
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