A nurse explains to new parents that their newborn has developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which of the following assessments that the nurse makes would support a diagnosis of RDS?
Select one:

Apical pulse of 148 beats per minute.

Respiratory rate of 40 during sleep.

Skin color jaundiced.

Chest retractions.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason: Apical pulse of 148 beats per minute. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal apical pulse for a newborn ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. A high pulse rate may indicate fever, infection, anemia, or dehydration. A low pulse rate may indicate hypothermia, hypoxia, or heart block.

Choice B Reason: Respiratory rate of 40 during sleep. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute. A high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress, infection, or metabolic acidosis. A low respiratory rate may indicate respiratory depression, hypothermia, or narcotic exposure.

Choice C Reason: Skin color jaundiced. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a diﬀerent condition called jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin that is normally excreted by the liver and kidneys. Jaundice can occur in newborns due to immature liver function, increased red blood cell breakdown, or blood group incompatibility. Jaundice does not aﬀect lung function or oxygenation.

Choice D Reason: Chest retractions. This is because chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress that indicate increased work of breathing and reduced lung compliance. Chest retractions occur when the chest wall sinks in between the ribs or below the sternum during inhalation, creating a negative pressure that helps draw air into the lungs. RDS is a serious condition where the newborn's lungs are immature and lack sufficient surfactant, which is a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse. RDS can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, acidosis, and organ failure. It is more common in preterm infants, especially those born before 37 weeks' gestation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Grunting and nasal ﬂaring. These are signs of respiratory distress in newborns, which indicate that their oxygenation needs are not being met. Grunting and nasal ﬂaring. This is because grunting and nasal ﬂaring are signs of respiratory distress in newborns, which indicate inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Grunting is a noise made by the newborn when exhaling, which reﬂects an atempt to keep the alveoli open and increase lung volume.

Nasal ﬂaring is a widening of the nostrils when inhaling, which reﬂects an eﬀort to reduce airway resistance and increase airﬂow.

Choice B Reason: Acrocyanosis. This is not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, but rather a common condition called acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis means bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to poor peripheral circulation in response to cold exposure or stress. It does not aﬀect oxygenation or ventilation and usually disappears within 24 to 48 hours after birth.

Choice C Reason: Abdominal breathing. This is not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, but rather a normal patern of breathing for them. Abdominal breathing means that the newborn's abdomen rises and falls with each breath, which reﬂects the use of the diaphragm as the primary respiratory muscle.

Choice D Reason: Respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute. This is not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, but rather a normal range of respiratory rate for them. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute.

A. Late decelerations. B. Moderate decelerations. C. Variable decelerations. D. Early decelerations.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Late decelerations. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a diﬀerent type of fetal heart rate patern that indicates uteroplacental insufficiency, which can reduce blood ﬂow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Late decelerations are characterized by gradual decreases in fetal heart rate that begin after the peak of uterine contractions and return to baseline after the end of contractions. Amnioinfusion is not eﬀective for late decelerations, as it does not address the underlying cause of uteroplacental insufficiency, which may be due to maternal hypertension, diabetes, preeclampsia, or placental abruption.

Choice B Reason: Moderate decelerations. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a non-existent type of fetal heart rate patern, as there is no such term as moderate decelerations. The term moderate refers to the category of fetal heart rate variability, which is a measure of the ﬂuctuations in fetal heart rate around the baseline. Moderate variability indicates normal fetal oxygenation and well-being, while absent or minimal variability indicates fetal hypoxia or distress.

Choice C Reason: Variable decelerations. This is because variable decelerations are a type of fetal heart rate patern that indicates cord compression, which can reduce blood ﬂow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Variable decelerations are characterized by abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate that vary in onset, depth, and duration, and do not have a consistent relationship with uterine contractions. Amnioinfusion is a procedure that involves infusing saline or lactated Ringer's solution into the amniotic cavity through a transcervical catheter, which can relieve cord compression by increasing the volume of amniotic ﬂuid and cushioning the cord. Amnioinfusion can improve fetal oxygenation and reduce variable decelerations.

Choice D Reason: Early decelerations. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a diﬀerent type of fetal heart rate patern that indicates head compression, which can stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the fetal heart rate. Early decelerations are characterized by gradual decreases in fetal heart rate that begin with the onset of uterine contractions and return to baseline with the end of contractions. Early decelerations are benign and do not require intervention, as they reﬂect normal fetal head descent and progress of labor. Amnioinfusion is not indicated for early decelerations, as it does not aﬀect head compression or vagal stimulation.

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A nurse explains to new parents that their newborn has developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which of the following assessments that the nurse makes would support a diagnosis of RDS? Select one:

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A nurse explains to new parents that their newborn has developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which of the following assessments that the nurse makes would support a diagnosis of RDS?
Select one: