Author Question: The nursing professor is explaining to a class of students that which chemical factor in the blood ... (Read 263 times)

pepyto · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The nursing professor is explaining to a class of students that which chemical factor in the blood directly leads to the initiation of respirations in the newborn?

A.
Bilirubin
B.
Carbon dioxide
C.
High arterial pH
D.
Low arterial pH

Question 2

The nurse caring for a woman about to deliver a baby at 33 weeks' gestation knows that what factor might have accelerated surfactant production?

A.
Fetal hemolytic disorders
B.
Incorrect dates
C.
Maternal hypertension
D.
Multiple gestation

nanny · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
All newborns have a brief period of asphyxia during which they become hypoxic, leading to lowered pH. Subsequently carbon dioxide levels begin to rise and this stimulates the respiratory center in the brain to initiate respirations.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A fetus has produced sufficient surfactant for independent respiratory function by about gestational weeks 34 to 36. Hence, a baby born at 33 weeks' gestation is at risk for not having enough surfactant. Factors that can lead to increased surfactant production include mothers with White classification D, F, and R diabetes; maternal hypertension; and maternal heroin addiction. Fetal hemolytic disorders and multiple gestation are risk factors for decreased surfactant production. Incorrect dates may be important, but this is not a factor that leads to increased surfactant production.