Author Question: The nurse is visiting the parents of a newborn diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia. Which ... (Read 54 times)

lb_gilbert · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

The nurse is visiting the parents of a newborn diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia. Which statement indicates that the parents understand the newborn's health problem?

A) Once the infection clears up, the baby will be fine..
B) We will need to plan for special care to help with learning disabilities..
C) In a few months, more brain tissue will grow to fill in the hollow areas in the brain..
D) In a few months, the baby will need to have physical therapy to train muscles to work..

Question 2

A preterm infant in the neonatal intensive care unit is receiving care for inadequate fluid balance. What did the nurse assess that supports this nursing diagnosis? (Select all that apply.)

A) Specific gravity of 1.022
B) Respiratory rate of 40 breaths/min
C) Urine output less than 2 ml/kg/hr
D) Heart rate of 135 beats/min
E) Abdominal skin temperature of 96.9F

laurnthompson · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is abnormal formation of the white matter of the brain and is caused by an anoxic episode that interferes with circulation to a portion of the brain. Phagocytes and macrophages invade the area to clear away necrotic tissue. What is left is an abnormality in the white matter of the brain seen as a hollow space. Once the condition has occurred, there is no therapy. Infants may die of the original insult; they may be left with long-term effects such as learning disabilities or cerebral palsy. The parents will need to plan for special care to help with the infant's learning disabilities. The baby does not have an infection. Brain tissue will not grow to fill in the hollow areas. There is no therapy for the condition, and there is no information to support that physical therapy will be beneficial.

Answer to Question 2

A, C
Feedback:
An output less than 2 ml/kg/hr or a specific gravity greater than 1.015 to 1.020 suggests inadequate fluid intake. Respiratory rate of 40 breaths/min, heart rate of 135 beats/min, and abdominal skin temperature of 96.9F are all within normal limits and do not suggest inadequate fluid balance.