Question

A healthy newborn has just been delivered and placed in the care of the nurse. What nursing actions should the nurse initiate?

Place in the correct priority order.

Assess newborn's airway and breathing.
Bulb suction excessive mucus.
Assess newborn's heart rate.
Place identification bands on newborn and mom.
Administer sterile ophthalmic ointment containing 0.5% erythromycin.

Answer 1

The nurse should assess the newborn's airway and breathing, suction excessive mucus, assess the newborn's heart rate, place identification bands on the newborn and mom, and administer sterile ophthalmic ointment containing 0.5% erythromycin in the correct priority order.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should initiate the following nursing actions in the correct priority order:

1. Assess the newborn's airway and breathing: This is the priority to ensure that the newborn can breathe properly. The nurse should check for any obstructions in the airway and assess the newborn's respiratory rate and effort.
2. Bulb suction excessive mucus: If there is excessive mucus in the newborn's airway, the nurse should use a bulb syringe to suction it out and help clear the airway.
3. Assess the newborn's heart rate: The nurse should check the newborn's heart rate to ensure that it is within the normal range, as it is an important indicator of the newborn's overall health.
4. Place identification bands on newborn and mom: The nurse should place identification bands on both the newborn and the mother to ensure proper identification and prevent any mix-ups.
5. Administer sterile ophthalmic ointment containing 0.5% erythromycin: This is typically done after the immediate assessments and interventions for the newborn's airway, breathing, and heart rate have been completed. The ointment is applied to the newborn's eyes to prevent the risk of infection.