A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 48 hours old and has a maternal history of methadone use during pregnancy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as an indication of neonatal abstinence syndrome?
Hyporeactivity.
Excessive high-pitched cry.
Acrocyanosis.
Respiratory rate of 50/min.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Hyporeactivity is not typically associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) NAS is characterized by increased irritability and signs of withdrawal, which are opposite to a hypo- reactive state.
Choice B rationale:
An excessive high-pitched cry is a hallmark sign of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Babies exposed to drugs like methadone during pregnancy can experience withdrawal symptoms, including a distinct high-pitched cry.
Choice C rationale:
Acrocyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the extremities, is a common finding in newborns and is not specific to NAS. It is caused by immature peripheral circulation and usually resolves on its own.
Choice D rationale:
A respiratory rate of 50/min is within the normal range for a newborn and is not a sign of neonatal abstinence syndrome. NAS symptoms are related to drug withdrawal and not respiratory issues.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Nevus flammeus, also known as a port-wine stain, is a flat, pink, red, or purple mark on the skin present at birth. It is a congenital vascular malformation and does not involve swelling that crosses suture lines.
Choice B reason:
Caput succedaneum is the correct diagnosis for swelling that crosses suture lines on a newborn's head, typically associated with a prolonged or difficult vaginal delivery, especially with the use of vacuum extraction.
Choice C reason:
Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the periosteum of the cranial bones that does not cross suture lines. It appears soon after birth and is usually caused by birth trauma.
Choice D reason:
Erythema toxicum is a common rash in newborns, presenting as red patches with small white or yellow pustules. It does not cause swelling over the head that crosses suture lines.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative client is exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood, typically during a prior pregnancy or delivery. The client’s immune system produces anti-Rh antibodies that cross the placenta in subsequent pregnancies, attacking the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus. This hemolysis releases bilirubin, leading to hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn.
Choice B rationale:
Rh incompatibility only occurs when the client is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive. An Rh-positive client will not form antibodies against an Rh-negative fetus, as their immune system recognizes the Rh factor as normal.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is not related to the mechanism of Rh incompatibility. Receiving a transfusion with Rh-negative blood would not cause the mother's immune system to produce anti-Rh antibodies or lead to Rh incompatibility with her newborn.
Choice D rationale:
This choice describes the ABO blood group system, not the Rh factor. ABO incompatibility can occur when a mother with blood type O (producing anti-A and anti-B antibodies) has a newborn with blood type A, B, or AB, leading to hemolysis of the fetal red blood cells. However, the question specifically mentions Rh incompatibility, which involves the Rh factor, not the ABO system.
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