A nurse is assessing a newborn.
Which finding may indicate a problem?
The newborn’s nostrils flare slightly during respiration.
The newborn’s hands and feet are blue and feel cool.
The newborn’s eyes move randomly when his head is turned to the side.
The newborn’s tongue thrusts forward when it is lightly touched.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. The newborn’s nostrils flare slightly during respiration. This is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn.
Flaring nostrils indicate that the newborn is working hard to breathe and may not be getting enough oxygen.
Choice B is wrong because the newborn’s hands and feet are blue and feel cool. This is a normal finding called acrocyanosis, which occurs due to immature peripheral circulation.
It usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours after birth.
Choice C is wrong because the newborn’s eyes move randomly when his head is turned to the side. This is a normal finding called nystagmus, which occurs due to immature eye muscles and coordination.
It usually disappears by 6 months of age.
Choice D is wrong because the newborn’s tongue thrusts forward when it is lightly touched. This is a normal finding called the extrusion reflex, which helps the newborn to suck and swallow.
It usually fades by 4 months of age.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Wear a supportive bra.This will help suppress lactation and reduce the discomfort of engorgement.
The other choices are wrong because:
• Choice A. Manually express colostrum as necessary.This will stimulate milk production and prolong engorgement.
• Choice B. Apply hot compresses to the breasts.This will increase blood flow and swelling in the breasts and worsen engorgement.
• Choice C. Massage the breast tissue surrounding the areola.This will also stimulate milk production and prolong engorgement.
Normal ranges for breast engorgement are not applicable as it is a subjective experience that varies among women.However, some signs of engorgement include firm, tender, swollen breasts, flat or inverted nipples, and low-grade fever.Engorgement usually resolves within 24 to 36 hours after it begins.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Have a suction catheter available for use at delivery.This is because meconium-stained amniotic fluid indicates that the fetus has passed meconium (first stool) before birth, which can be a sign of fetal distress or hypoxia.Meconium can block the airways and cause breathing problems for the newborn, so suctioning the mouth and nose (or the trachea if needed) is important to prevent meconium aspiration syndrome.
Choice A is wrong because taking the mother’s vital signs every 15 minutes is not a specific intervention for meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Vital signs should be monitored regularly during labor regardless of the fluid color.
Choice B is wrong because sending a specimen of the fluid to the laboratory for analysis is not a priority action.The color and consistency of the fluid can be observed by the nurse and documented.
The laboratory analysis will not change the immediate management of the newborn.
Choice D is wrong because preparing a slide of the fluid for fern testing is not relevant for meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Fern testing is used to confirm the rupture of membranes by detecting a fern-like pattern of amniotic fluid under a microscope.It is not useful for assessing the presence or severity of meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
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