Nursing Elites

1. A new mother asks the nurse when she should begin to breastfeed her newborn. The nurse's best response is:

• A. Within the first half-hour after birth
• B. After the newborn's first bath
• C. When the newborn begins to cry
• D. After administering vitamin K

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Initiating breastfeeding within the first half-hour after birth is crucial for successful breastfeeding and bonding, as recommended by the World Health Organization. This early initiation helps establish breastfeeding and supports the newborn's health by providing colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk. Choice B, 'After the newborn's first bath,' is incorrect because initiating breastfeeding should not be delayed after birth. Choice C, 'When the newborn begins to cry,' is incorrect as it does not promote timely initiation of breastfeeding. Choice D, 'After administering vitamin K,' is incorrect because breastfeeding initiation should not be delayed for this procedure.

2. When is it MOST appropriate to clamp and cut the umbilical cord?

• A. Before the newborn has taken its first breath
• B. After the placenta has completely delivered
• C. As soon as the cord has stopped pulsating
• D. Immediately following delivery of the newborn

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The ideal time to clamp and cut the umbilical cord is when it has stopped pulsating. This allows for the transfer of remaining blood from the placenta to the newborn, which can be beneficial for the baby's health and iron stores. Clamping the cord too early can deprive the newborn of this essential blood volume. Waiting for the pulsations to cease ensures that the baby receives the maximum benefits from delayed cord clamping.

3. Following an apparent febrile seizure, a 4-year-old boy is alert and crying. His skin is hot and moist. Appropriate treatment for this child includes:

• A. allowing the parents to transport the child.
• B. offering oxygen and providing transport.
• C. rapidly cooling the child in cold water.
• D. keeping the child warm and providing transport.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a febrile seizure, the priority is to offer oxygen and provide transport to a medical facility. Oxygen may be necessary to ensure proper oxygenation, and medical evaluation is crucial to determine the cause of the seizure and prevent recurrence. Rapidly cooling the child in cold water is not recommended as it may lead to complications such as hypothermia. Keeping the child warm is also not indicated as the skin is already hot and moist. Therefore, offering oxygen and timely transportation to a healthcare facility is the most appropriate course of action. Allowing the parents to transport the child might delay necessary medical care, and keeping the child warm can exacerbate the existing heat. Rapidly cooling the child in cold water can lead to adverse effects, making it an inappropriate choice.

4. A breastfeeding mother reports to the nurse that her newborn nurses every hour and never seems satisfied. Which advice should the nurse provide?

• A. Supplement breastfeeding with formula after each nursing session.
• B. Allow the newborn to nurse on each breast for at least 20 minutes.
• C. Reduce the number of nursing sessions to every 2-3 hours.
• D. Ensure the newborn has a proper latch and is effectively nursing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should ensure that the newborn has a proper latch and is effectively nursing. Sometimes, newborns nurse frequently for comfort even when they are effectively latched. It is essential to address the latch first before considering other interventions. Supplementing with formula (Choice A) may decrease the mother's milk supply. Allowing the newborn to nurse for a set time (Choice B) may not address the underlying latch issue. Reducing nursing sessions (Choice C) may lead to decreased milk production and does not address the latch problem.

5. Your assessment of a newborn reveals cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What should you do first?

• A. Dry the infant briskly.
• B. Suction the mouth.
• C. Begin artificial ventilations.
• D. Begin chest compressions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a newborn with cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min, the priority action is to begin artificial ventilations. A heart rate below 100 beats/min with cyanosis indicates a need for immediate respiratory support to improve oxygenation. Drying the infant briskly or suctioning the mouth may be necessary later but are not the initial priority. Chest compressions are not indicated as the heart rate is above 60 beats/min.

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