During morning rounds in the newborn nursery, a practical nurse collects data on a formula-fed neonate who is 18 hours old and was born at 37 weeks gestation. The infant's axillary temperature is 36.1°C (97.0°F), heart rate is 162 beats per minute, and respiratory rate is 70 breaths per minute with mild expiratory grunting. Which action is the priority for the practical nurse?
- Alert the registered nurse immediately and assist with placing the infant on a radiant warmer.Cevap
- BProvide the scheduled formula feeding to prevent cold-induced hypoglycemia.
- CSwaddle the neonate in double blankets in the bassinet and reassess the vital signs in one hour.
- DInitiate peripheral intravenous access to prepare for anticipated antibiotic administration.
Cevap
The priority action is to alert the registered nurse immediately and assist with placing the infant on a radiant warmer.
The correct answer addresses the urgent need for medical intervention while remaining safely within the practical nurse's scope of practice. Hypothermia in a neonate quickly leads to cold stress, which increases oxygen consumption and causes respiratory distress, evidenced here by tachypnea and grunting. Immediate registered nurse notification and active warming are essential.
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Anahtar Kavram
Neonatal Cold Stress, Respiratory Distress, and Scope of Practice