Pediatric Nurse Neonatal and Newborn Care Flashcards

Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours of life is most commonly caused by which condition?

Answer: Hemolytic disease due to ABO or Rh incompatibility

Jaundice within 24 hours is always pathological; hemolytic disease from blood group incompatibility is the most common cause.

A mother is Rh-negative and delivers an Rh-positive newborn. Which postpartum medication should the nurse prepare?

Answer: Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM)

RhoGAM prevents Rh sensitization in the mother, protecting future pregnancies from hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Which newborn reflex is expected to disappear by 4–6 months of age?

Answer: Moro reflex

The Moro (startle) reflex is present at birth and normally disappears by 4–6 months as the nervous system matures.

During phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, which nursing action is most important?

Answer: Apply eye shields to protect the retinas

Eye shields must be applied during phototherapy to protect the newborn's retinas from the intense light used to break down bilirubin.

Which nursing intervention is critical to include when a newborn receives phototherapy?

Answer: Ensure frequent feedings to promote bilirubin excretion

Phototherapy increases insensible water loss, so frequent feedings maintain hydration and enhance bilirubin excretion through stool.

Which sign is most indicative of coarctation of the aorta in a newborn?

Answer: Diminished or absent femoral pulses with bounding brachial pulses

Coarctation of the aorta reduces blood flow to the lower body, producing weak or absent femoral pulses while upper extremity pulses remain strong.