A nurse is assessing a full-term newborn upon admission to the nursery.
Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Rust-stained urine.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Single palmar creases.
Transient circumoral cyanosis.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationales
A. Rust-stained urine.
Rust or brick-dust staining in the diaper is usually caused by urate crystals in the urine. This is a common and benign finding in newborns during the first days of life, particularly when fluid intake is still low. It does not require provider notification unless it persists beyond the first week or is accompanied by other abnormalities.
B. Subconjunctival hemorrhage.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage often results from pressure during delivery, especially in vaginal births. It appears as a bright red patch on the sclera but is harmless and resolves spontaneously within several weeks. It is considered a normal newborn finding and does not need to be reported.
C. Single palmar creases.
A single transverse palmar crease, also known as a simian crease, can be associated with chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. While it may sometimes be an isolated normal variant, its presence warrants further evaluation. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for assessment and potential genetic follow-up.
D. Transient circumoral cyanosis.
Brief bluish discoloration around the lips in a newborn is typically due to vasomotor instability and is common when the infant is crying or cold. As long as the central mucous membranes remain pink and oxygenation is normal, this finding is not concerning and usually resolves without intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is the most common symptom of placenta previa and can occur after 20 weeks of gestation.
Choice B is incorrect because a persistent headache is not a known symptom of placenta previa.
Choice C is incorrect because uterine hypertonicity is not a known symptom of placenta previa.
Choice D is incorrect because a firm, rigid abdomen is not a known symptom of placenta previa.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should obtain a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) specimen for a client at 12 weeks of gestation.
MSAFP is a screening tool used to identify fetal neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Elevated levels of MSAFP indicate an increased risk for NTDs, while low levels indicate an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.
Administering rubella vaccine (A) is contraindicated during pregnancy as it is a live vaccine and can cause fetal harm.
Administering ceftriaxone IM (B) and obtaining a blood culture (C) are not indicated based on the information provided about the client.
The client's allergy to penicillin is not relevant to the nurse's immediate action.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today