What nursing action is appropriate to prevent possible ...

[jlmhmf]

What nursing action is appropriate to prevent possible retinopathy in a preterm infant requiring oxygen therapy?
 
  a. Monitor arterial oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter.
  b. Position the head slightly lower than the body.
  c. Administer low concentrations of oxygen.
  d. Keep the infant's eyes covered at all times.

Question 2

What is the rationale for placing a preterm infant born at 34 weeks of gestation in an incubator?
 
  a. The infant has a small body surface-to-weight ratio.
  b. Heat increases the flow of oxygen to the extremities.
  c. The infant's temperature control mechanism is immature.
  d. Heat within the incubator facilitates drainage of mucus.

[jharrington11]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Use of a pulse oximeter to carefully monitor arterial blood gases in high-risk infants continues to be a priority in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The preterm infant is at risk for heat loss for several reasons, one of which is that the heat regulating center in the brain is immature.