A characteristic of a post-term infant who weighs 7 lb, 12 oz, ...

[fbq8i]

A characteristic of a post-term infant who weighs 7 lb, 12 oz, and who lost weight in utero, is:
 
  a. Soft and supple skin.
  b. A hematocrit level of 55.
  c. Lack of subcutaneous fat.
  d. An abundance of vernix caseosa.

Question 2

A preterm infant is on a respirator, with intravenous lines and much equipment. When the parents come to visit for the first time, which is an important response by the nurse?
 
  a. Encourage the parents to touch their infant.
  b. Reassure the parents that the infant is progressing well.
  c. Discuss the care they will give their infant when the infant goes home.
  d. Suggest that the parents visit for only a short time to reduce their anxiety.

[Silverbeard98]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
This post-term infant actually lost weight in utero, which is seen as loss of subcutaneous fat. The skin is normally wrinkled, cracked, and peeling. A hematocrit of 55 is within the expected range of all newborns. There is no vernix caseosa in a post-term infant.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Touching the infant will increase the development of attachment. It is important to keep the parents informed about the infant's progress, but the nurse needs to be honest with the explanations. Discussing home care is an important part of parent teaching but is not the most important priority during the first visit. Bonding needs to occur, and this can be fostered by encouraging the parents to spend time with the infant.

[fbq8i]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[adf223]

TYSM