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 D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Possible Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). This is an unlikely condition for this newborn, as MAS occurs when fetal stool (meconium) enters into the lungs before or during birth, causing airway obstruction, inﬂammation, and infection. MAS usually aﬀects term or post-term infants who experience fetal distress or hypoxia in utero.

Choice B Reason: Possible polycythemia. This is an unrelated condition for this newborn, as polycythemia refers to an abnormally high number of red blood cells in the blood, which can increase blood viscosity and impair circulation.

Polycythemia may occur in infants who have delayed cord clamping, intrauterine growth restriction, maternal diabetes, or high altitude exposure.

Choice C Reason: Possible Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN). This is a less serious condition than RDS, as TTN is a mild respiratory problem that results from delayed clearance of fetal lung ﬂuid after birth. TTN causes rapid breathing, nasal ﬂaring, grunting, and mild cyanosis. It usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours after birth.

Choice D Reason: Possible Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). This is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention and treatment, as RDS can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary hemorrhage, pneumothorax, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RDS causes respiratory distress, nasal ﬂaring, retractions, grunting, and central cyanosis. It usually occurs within minutes to hours after birth.

A. Moderate amounts of deep red lochia. B. Sweating while afebrile. C. Voiding 350 mL of blood-tinged urine. D. Heart rate of 115 beats/minute.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Moderate amounts of deep red lochia. This is not a finding that would warrant further investigation, but rather a normal finding for the early postpartum period. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after delivery, which consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus. Lochia is usually deep red in color and moderate in amount for the first few days after delivery.

Choice B Reason: Sweating while afebrile. This is not a finding that would warrant further investigation, but rather a common occurrence in the postpartum period. Sweating is a mechanism of thermoregulation that helps the body eliminate excess ﬂuid and electrolytes that were retained during pregnancy. Sweating does not necessarily indicate fever or infection.

Choice C Reason: Voiding 350 mL of blood-tinged urine. This is not a finding that would warrant further investigation, but rather an expected outcome for the postpartum period. Voiding large amounts of urine is normal in the postpartum period, as the body eliminates the excess ﬂuid that was accumulated during pregnancy. Blood-tinged urine may be due to trauma or irritation of the urinary tract during labor or delivery, which usually resolves within a few days.

Choice D Reason: Heart rate of 115 beats/minute. This is because a heart rate of 115 beats/minute is higher than the normal range for an adult, which is 60 to 100 beats/minute. A high heart rate may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, infection, pain, anxiety, or dehydration. The nurse should further assess the client for other signs and symptoms of these conditions and notify the physician if necessary.

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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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Explanation

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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: