A nurse is assisting in the care of a newborn who is 72 hr 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.
Correct Answer : B,D,F,H
Choice A reason
Blood pressure is not a priority finding for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Blood pressure is usually normal or slightly elevated in NAS, and it is not a reliable indicator of the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Choice B reason
Gastrointestinal disturbances are a common and serious finding for a newborn with NAS. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and poor weight gain. Projectile vomiting can also increase the risk of aspiration. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.
Choice C reason
Skin color is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Acrocyanosis (bluish color of the hands and feet) is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate hypoxia or poor circulation. It usually resolves within the first few days of life.
Choice D reason
NAS score is not 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. It is based on a set of clinical signs and symptoms that are scored at regular intervals. However, it is not a substitute for clinical judgment and individualized care. The NAS score alone does not determine the urgency of follow-up.
Choice E reason
Temperature is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Temperature may be slightly elevated or normal in NAS, and it is not a specific sign of infection or withdrawal. Temperature regulation is important for newborns, but it is not an immediate concern in this case.
Choice F reason
Oxygen saturation is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Tachypnea (rapid breathing) and retractions (inward movement of the chest wall) are signs of respiratory distress, which can compromise oxygen delivery to the tissues and organs. Hypoxia (low oxygen level) can cause brain damage, organ failure, and death if not corrected promptly. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.
Choice G reason
Central nervous system disturbances are a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Increased muscle tone, tremors, high-pitched cry, and seizures are signs of neurological dysfunction,which can indicate brain injury, bleeding, or infection. Seizures can also worsen hypoxia and metabolic acidosis. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.
Choice H reason
Respiratory rate is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Respiratory rate may be increased or normal in NAS, and it is not a specific sign of respiratory distress or infection. Respiratory rate should be monitored along with other vital signs.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Drowsy. This is not the best state for feeding a newborn, because the baby may fall asleep before finishing the feed or may not latch on well. A drowsy baby may also have trouble swallowing or coordinating sucking and breathing. •
Choice B reason:
Crying. This is also not a good state for feeding a newborn, because crying is a late sign of hunger and indicates that the baby is already distressed. A crying baby may have difficulty calming down enough to feed or may gulp air and become gassy. •
Choice C reason:
Active alert. This is a possible state for feeding a newborn, but not the most optimal one. An active alert baby may be easily distracted by noises or movements around them or may become fussy or overstimulated if they are not fed quickly enough. •
Choice D reason:
Alert. This is the best state for feeding a newborn because the baby is awake, calm, and attentive to their surroundings. An alert baby will show signs of hunger such as rooting, smacking their lips, or sucking their fingers, and will be ready to latch on and feed well.
Correct Answer is ["B","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Temperature. The newborn's temperature is within the normal range of 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F) for axillary measurement. Therefore, this finding does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice B:
Respiratory findings. The newborn's respiratory rate is above the normal range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute. The newborn also has a low oxygen saturation of 96%, which indicates possible respiratory distress. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.
Choice C:
Serum glucose. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's serum glucose level, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice D:
Hematocrit. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's hematocrit level, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice E:
White blood cell count. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's white blood cell count, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice F:
Hemoglobin. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's hemoglobin level, but it is known that newborns have higher hemoglobin levels than adults due to fetal hemoglobin. A high hemoglobin level can increase the risk of polycythemia, which can cause hyperviscosity, hypoxia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.
Choice G:
Heart rate. The newborn's heart rate is above the normal range of 110 to 160 beats per minute. A high heart rate can indicate tachycardia, which can be caused by various factors such as fever, dehydration, anemia, infection, or congenital heart defects. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.
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