QUESTION: "The nurse instructs the client about the procedures that will be performed on the neonate immediately after delivery to prevent meconium aspiration. The nurse determines that the instructions have been effective when the client states that which of the following will be done on the neonate?"
CHOICES
( O ) a.) Suctioned as soon as the head is delivered.
( X ) b.) Intubated immediately after delivery.
( X ) c.) Given oxygen through an airway after delivery.
( X ) d.) Given a drug to dilate the bronchi after delivery.
RATIONALE: Aspiration of meconium is best prevented by suctioning the neonate's nasopharynx immediately after the head is delivered and before the shoulders and chest are delivered. As long as the chest is compressed in the vagina, the infant will not inhale and aspirate meconium into the upper respiratory tract. Meconium aspiration blocks the air flow to the alveoli, leading to potentially life-threatening respiratory complications. Routinely the neonate is not intubated unless respiratory complications develop. Oxygen is usually not administered nor is an airway needed unless complications arise. Bronchodilators typically are not used unless meconium aspiration occurs along with respiratory distress. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Evaluation CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Health promotion and maintenance CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: None
