Author Question: Shortly after a cesarean birth, a newborn begins to exhibit difficulty breathing. Nasal flaring and ... (Read 137 times)

future617RT · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

Shortly after a cesarean birth, a newborn begins to exhibit difficulty breathing. Nasal flaring and slight retractions are noted. The newborn is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for closer observation,

with a diagnosis of transient tachypnea (TTN). The parents are notified and become anxious because they have no idea what this means in terms of medical condition. The best action that the nurse can take at this time is to:

a. refer them to the neonatologist for more information.
b. tell them not to worry because their infant will be monitored closely by trained staff.
c. explain to them that this often occurs following a birth but it will most likely resolve in the next 24 to 48 hours.
d. tell them that they will be able to come and see their baby, which will help make them feel better.

Question 2

When a cardiac defect causes the mixing of arterial and venous blood in the right side of the heart, the nurse might expect to find:

a. cyanosis.
b. diuresis.
c. signs of pulmonary congestion.
d. increased oxygenation of the tissues.

dantucker · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The clinical diagnosis of TTN has been established, and the nurse should provide factual information relative to the clinical condition. The RN should be able to provide information to clarify the parents' concern. Telling someone not to worry usually has the opposite effect in terms of a medical crisis. Facilitating an interaction with the newborn and parents may help ease anxiety but does not address the parents' knowledge deficit.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Mixing of the blood in the right side of the heart will cause excessive blood flow to the lungs and pulmonary congestion. Cyanosis is seen more frequently with right-to-left shunts. Diuresis is not a common finding with cardiac defects. Increased oxygenation of the tissues is not seen with this type of cardiac defect.