Practice Quiz

Maternal Newborn Nursing Certification Practice Test

Category - Reduction of Risk

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A mother of a newborn is asking about the Guthrie test. Which of the following responses made by the nurse is the least accurate?
  1. This test determines the presence of enzymes that process phenylalanine in the blood.
  2. A high level of phenylalanine is clinically significant.
  3. The infant must have taken milk before blood is extracted.
  4. The test is done every year to track the progress of disease.
Explanation
Answer: D - The PKU test or Guthrie test is done within a few days after birth, usually within 2-3 days. PKU is a metabolic disorder that results in the inability to process phenylalanine, a type of protein. If phenylalanine accumulates in the blood, mental retardation could occur. An abnormally high level of phenylalanine is clinically significant. The test is done by taking blood from the heel. The test is repeated within 7-10 days. Urine testing is done if newborn testing was not done and the child is older than six weeks of age.
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