An experienced NICU nurse is explaining to a new nurse why ...

[darbym82]

An experienced NICU nurse is explaining to a new nurse why premature infants have such great nutritional needs. What information should the experienced nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A.
  The pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin for food use.
  B.
  Their guts are premature and don't absorb nutrients.
  C.
  They haven't built up stores in utero like term babies.
  D.
  They have complications that increase their metabolic rate.
  E.
  They lose 10 of their already-low weight at birth.

Question 2

A baby was born 4 days ago at 34 weeks' gestation and is receiving phototherapy for neonatal jaundice. The baby has symptoms of temperature instability, dry skin, poor feeding, lethargy, and irritability.
 
  What are the nurse's priority nursing interventions? (Select all that apply.)
  A.
  Assess the baby's temperature to check for hypothermia.
  B.
  Check to make sure the infant's face mask stays in place.
  C.
  Educate the mother to feed the child every 2 hours.
  D.
  Verify laboratory results to check for hypoglycemia.
  E.
  Verify laboratory results to check for hypomagnesemia.

[DylanD1323]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C, D, E
Several factors exist to cause increased nutritional demands in the premature infant. They haven't have time in the uterus to build up nutritional stores like normal term babies do, their many complications increase their metabolic rate, and they lose 10 of their body weight after birth, which they can ill afford, Certainly some premature infants have intestinal and pancreatic problems, but this is not a true statement for all.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, D
Priority nursing actions for the baby undergoing phototherapy include keeping the baby warm, as hypothermia can occur due to exposure, and ensuring the baby receives adequate nutrition. Bilirubin is excreted in the stool. Proper nutrition will also help maintain fluid status. Keeping the baby's mask in place is an important safety action to prevent eye damage, but is not related to this baby's signs. Hypoglycemia can occur with poor nutrition. Magnesium levels are not affected by jaundice.