Maternal and Child Health Flashcards

A newborn has a yellow tinge to the skin and eyes at 18 hours of life. What type of jaundice is this?

Answer: Pathological jaundice requiring immediate evaluation

Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours of life is always considered pathological and requires immediate evaluation. Causes include hemolytic disease (Rh or ABO incompatibility) or serious infection. Physiological jaundice appears after 24 hours.

What is the primary nursing concern when oxytocin (Pitocin) is being used for labor induction?

Answer: Monitor for uterine hyperstimulation and fetal heart rate changes

Oxytocin can cause uterine hyperstimulation (more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes or contractions >90 seconds), which reduces uteroplacental blood flow and causes fetal hypoxia. Continuous fetal monitoring is mandatory during induction.

What is the normal expected weight loss for a newborn in the first few days of life?

Answer: Up to 10% of birth weight

Newborns normally lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first 3–4 days due to meconium passage, urine output, and limited fluid intake. Birth weight should be regained by 10–14 days. Loss >10% warrants evaluation for feeding problems.

Which finding in a postpartum patient requires immediate nursing attention?

Answer: Uterine fundus soft and deviated to the right with excessive bleeding

A soft (boggy), displaced uterine fundus indicates uterine atony — the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The bladder is likely full, displacing the uterus. Interventions: empty the bladder and perform uterine massage, then reassess.

A child weighing 20 kg has a fever. Using weight-based dosing, the correct dose of acetaminophen (15 mg/kg) is:

Answer: 300 mg

Dose = 15 mg/kg × 20 kg = 300 mg. Accurate weight-based dosing in pediatrics is critical to avoid under-dosing (ineffective) or overdosing (hepatotoxic with acetaminophen).

Which developmental milestone is expected for a 12-month-old child?

Answer: Taking first independent steps and saying 1–3 words

By 12 months, most children can pull to stand and take a few independent steps, and say 1–3 meaningful words (mama, dada). Running typically develops around 18–24 months, and sentences at 2 years.