when is it most appropriate to clamp and cut the umbilical cord

ATI LPN

LPN Pediatrics

1. 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.

2. Mr. Lopez has a 7-year-old son with growth hormone (GH) deficiency. He shares with the nurse the desire of his son to play ball games. However, his wife feels the child will be in danger since he is smaller than the other children. In planning anticipatory guidance for these parents, the nurse should keep in mind which of the following?

A. The child should be allowed to play because doing so can foster healthy self-esteem
B. The risk for fractures is increased because GH deficiency results in fragile bones
C. Activity could aggravate insulin sensitivity, causing hyperglycemia
D. Activity would aggravate the child's joints, already overtasked by obesity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Children with GH deficiency may face challenges due to their size, but it is important to encourage their participation in activities like playing ball games to promote healthy self-esteem. Allowing the child to play can help in building confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which are essential for their overall well-being.

3. A mother of a 2-year-old child complains that her child has a fever, sore mouth, and red eye. What will be the possible diagnosis?

A. TB
B. Meningitis
C. Measles
D. Pertussis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Measles. Measles commonly presents with symptoms such as fever, sore mouth, and red eyes. These characteristic symptoms help differentiate measles from the other conditions listed. Tuberculosis (Choice A) typically presents with respiratory symptoms, Meningitis (Choice B) commonly presents with symptoms like headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status, while Pertussis (Choice D) is characterized by severe coughing spells. Therefore, in this case, the symptoms described align more closely with measles.

4. Why is a prolapsed umbilical cord dangerous?

A. The cord may be wrapped around the baby's neck, causing strangulation.
B. The cord might pull the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery.
C. The baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen.
D. The mother may die of hypoxia due to compromised placental blood flow.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord is dangerous because the baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen. This compression can lead to oxygen deprivation, potentially causing significant harm to the baby. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases to prevent adverse outcomes.

5. During the initial assessment of the newborn, which of the following data would be considered normal?

A. Chest circumference 31.5 cm, head circumference 33.5 cm
B. Chest circumference 30 cm, head circumference 29 cm
C. Chest circumference 38 cm, head circumference 31.5 cm
D. Chest circumference 32.5 cm, head circumference 36 cm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. During the initial assessment of a newborn, the average head circumference at birth is 32 to 37 cm, while the average chest circumference ranges from 30 to 35 cm. Normally, the head's circumference is about 2 cm greater than the chest circumference at birth. Choice A provides measurements of chest circumference 31.5 cm and head circumference 33.5 cm, both falling within the normal range in terms of actual size and relative size. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the typical measurements seen in a healthy newborn. Choice B has both circumferences below the average range, choice C has the chest circumference above the average, and choice D has the head circumference notably higher than the chest circumference, which is not typical for a newborn.