A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Increased subcutaneous fat
Dry, cracked skin
Scant scalp hair
Copious vernix
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Increased subcutaneous fat is not a typical finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have less subcutaneous fat, and may appear thin and wasted.
Choice B reason: Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because the skin has been exposed to the amniotic fluid for a prolonged period. The skin may also appear peeling, wrinkled, or leathery.
Choice C reason: Scant scalp hair is not a usual finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have more scalp hair, and may also have long nails and abundant lanugo.
Choice D reason: Copious vernix is not a specific finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have little or no vernix, which is a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin in utero.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring the newborn's blood pressure is not the most appropriate action, as it is not directly related to the signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. These signs are more indicative of hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level that can affect newborns, especially those who are premature, small for gestational age, or have diabetic mothers.
Choice B reason: Initiating phototherapy is not the most appropriate action, as it is used to treat hyperbilirubinemia, which is a high level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Hyperbilirubinemia does not cause diaphoresis, jitteriness, or lethargy.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood glucose by heel stick is the most appropriate action, as it can confirm the diagnosis of hypoglycemia, which is the most likely cause of the signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. The nurse should perform a heel stick using a sterile lancet and a glucose meter, and obtain a blood sample from the lateral aspect of the heel. The nurse should also provide warmth, stimulation, and feeding to the newborn, and report the blood glucose level to the provider.
Choice D reason: Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer is not the most appropriate action, as it can cause dehydration, fluid loss, and further hypoglycemia. The nurse should use a radiant warmer only if the newborn is hypothermic, which is a low body temperature that can also affect newborns. The nurse should monitor the newborn's temperature and skin color, and adjust the warmer accordingly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A tearful client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and is experiencing irregular, frequent contractions does not need to be reported to the provider immediately, because it may indicate preterm labor, which is not an emergency. The nurse should assess the client's cervix, fetal heart rate, and hydration status, and administer tocolytic therapy as prescribed.
Choice B reason: A client who has a diagnosis of preeclampsia has 2+ proteinuria and 2+ patellar reflexes does not need to be reported to the provider immediately, because they are expected findings in mild preeclampsia. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, urine output, and reflexes, and administer antihypertensive and anticonvulsant medications as prescribed.
Choice C reason: A client who has a diagnosis of preeclampsia reports epigastric pain and unresolved headache needs to be reported to the provider immediately, because they are signs of severe preeclampsia or impending eclampsia. The nurse should prepare the client for delivery, as it is the only definitive treatment for preeclampsia.
Choice D reason: A client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and receiving terbutaline reports fine tremors does not need to be reported to the provider immediately, because they are a common and mild side effect of terbutaline, a beta-adrenergic agonist that relaxes the uterine smooth muscle. The nurse should reassure the client that the tremors are temporary and harmless, and monitor the client's pulse and blood pressure.
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