A nurse is assisting in the care of a newborn who is 72 hours old and is receiving treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Which of the following data collection findings should the nurse identify as requiring immediate follow-up? (Select all that apply.).
Blood pressure.
Gastrointestinal disturbances.
Skin color.
NAS score.
Temperature.
Oxygen saturation.
Central nervous system disturbances.
Respiratory rate
Correct Answer : B,D,F,H
Choice A:
Blood pressure is not a priority finding for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Blood pressure may be slightly elevated or normal in NAS, but it is not a sign of severe withdrawal or a risk for complications. •
Choice B:
Gastrointestinal disturbances are common and serious symptoms of NAS. They include poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and poor weight gain. These can lead to electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition and failure to thrive. This choice requires immediate follow-up. •
Choice C:
Skin color is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Skin color may be normal or slightly pale in NAS, but it is not a sign of severe withdrawal or risk for complications. •
Choice D:
NAS score is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. NAS score is a tool used to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the need for pharmacological treatment. A high NAS score indicates that the newborn needs medication to manage the withdrawal and prevent complications such as seizures. This choice requires immediate follow-up. •
Choice E:
Temperature is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. The temperature may be slightly elevated or normal in NAS, but it is not a sign of severe withdrawal or risk for complications. •
Choice F:
Oxygen saturation is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Oxygen saturation measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. Low oxygen saturation can indicate respiratory distress, which is a common and serious symptom of NAS. Respiratory distress can lead to hypoxia, acidosis, and brain damage. This choice requires immediate follow-up. •
Choice G:
Central nervous system disturbances are common and serious symptoms of NAS. They include tremors, irritability, excessive crying, hyperactivity, increased muscle tone, seizures, and sleep problems. These can indicate severe withdrawal and risk for neurological damage. This choice requires immediate follow-up.
Choice H:
Respiratory rate is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. The respiratory rate measures the number of breaths per minute. A high respiratory rate can indicate respiratory distress, which is a common and serious symptom of NAS. Respiratory distress can lead to hypoxia, acidosis, and brain damage. This choice requires immediate follow-up.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The newborn has hypotonia. This is not a specific sign of brachial plexus injury, as hypotonia can have many other causes, such as genetic disorders, infections, or brain damage.
Hypotonia is a general term for low muscle tone or weakness, which can affect the whole body or specific parts.
Choice B reason:
The newborn does not demonstrate the Moro reflex. This is a sign of brachial plexus injury, especially if it affects only one arm. The Moro reflex is a startle response that causes the baby to throw out the arms and legs, then curl them in when startled. A brachial plexus injury can impair the nerve function in the shoulder, arm, or hand, leading to decreased movement or sensation in the upper extremity. If the baby does not show the Moro reflex on one side, it may indicate damage to the upper brachial plexus nerves (C5-C7), also known as Erb's palsy.
Choice C reason:
The newborn cries continually. This is not a specific sign of brachial plexus injury, as crying can have many other causes, such as hunger, discomfort, or colic. Crying is a normal way for babies to communicate their needs and feelings. Crying does not necessarily indicate pain from a brachial plexus injury, as infants' nerves behave differently from adults' and they may not experience much pain from this condition.
Choice D reason:
The newborn has tremors. This is not a specific sign of brachial plexus injury, as tremors can have many other causes, such as cold temperature, low blood sugar, or withdrawal from maternal medications. Tremors are involuntary movements of the muscles that can affect the whole body or specific parts. Tremors do not necessarily indicate nerve damage from a brachial plexus injury, as this condition usually causes weakness or paralysis of the affected muscles.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Scant scalp hair is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants who have not developed fully.
Choice B reason:
Copious vernix is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Vernix is a white, cheesy substance that covers the skin of the fetus and protects it from the amniotic fluid. Vernix is usually abundant in preterm infants and decreases as gestation progresses.
Choice C reason:
Increased subcutaneous fat is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Increased subcutaneous fat is a sign of adequate nutrition and growth, which is more likely in term infants. Post-term infants may have reduced subcutaneous fat due to placental insufficiency and decreased nutrient supply.
Choice D reason:
Dry, cracked skin is an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Dry, cracked skin is a result of prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid, which causes dehydration and desquamation of the skin. Post-term infants may also have meconium staining on their skin due to fetal distress.
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