A premature infant in the NICU has a sudden increase in head ...

[theo]

A premature infant in the NICU has a sudden increase in head circumference. Which drug does the nurse anticipate administering?
 
  A.
  Betamethasone (Celestone)
  B.
  Caffeine citrate (Cafcit)
  C.
  Morphine sulfate (Astromorph)
  D.
  Phenobarbital (Luminal Sodium)

Question 2

A premature infant has not had a bowel movement, and the nurse assesses abdominal distention after the last feeding. What action by the nurse takes priority?
 
  A.
  Document the findings in the chart.
  B.
  Facilitate a bowel x-ray.
  C.
  Notify the health-care provider.
  D.
  Place the infant on NPO status.

[aadams68]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Premature infants are at risk of developing intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia hemorrhage. A sign of this bleeding within the skull is increasing head circumference, which is measured frequently. The medication of choice is phenobarbital. Betamethasone is given to encourage fetal lung development. Morphine is a pain medication. Caffeine citrate is used for apnea of prematurity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
This baby has signs of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). When the nurse suspects this condition, the priority action is to stop all oral feedings. The other actions are appropriate, but do not take priority over placing the infant on NPO status.

[theo]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[AISCAMPING]

Excellent