A nurse is assisting to collect data for a gestational age assessment on a newborn. Which of the following should the nurse check during a neuromuscular assessment? (Select all that apply.)
Heel to ear
Popliteal angle
Moro reflex
Scarf sign
Arm recoil
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A reason:
Heel to ear is a test that measures the flexibility of the newborn's hip and knee joints. The nurse should gently flex the newborn's hip and knee and bring the foot toward the ear on the same side. The closer the foot is to the ear, the higher the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.
Choice B reason:
Popliteal angle is a test that measures the angle of flexion at the knee joint. The nurse should flex the newborn's hip and knee at 90 degrees and then extend the lower leg until resistance is felt. The smaller the angle, the higher the score. This test is also part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.
Choice C reason:
Moro reflex is a test that evaluates the newborn's startle response. The nurse should hold the newborn in a semi-sitting position and then allow the head to fall back slightly. The newborn should extend and abduct the arms and legs, then flex and adduct them. This test is not part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age, but rather a reflex assessment for neurological function. •
Choice D reason:
Scarf sign is a test that measures the flexibility of the newborn's shoulder and elbow joints. The nurse should draw one of the newborn's arms across the chest toward the opposite shoulder. The farther the elbow can be moved across the body, the lower the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.
Choice E reason:
Arm recoil is a test that measures the degree of flexion at the elbow joint. The nurse should extend both of the newborn's arms for 5 seconds and then release them. The arms should return to a flexed position quickly and fully. The faster and more complete the recoil, the higher the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is a normal WBC for a newborn. According to MedlinePlus, the normal amount of white blood cells (WBCs) found in the bloodstream of a newborn infant is between 4,500 and 10,000 per microliter of blood. The reference ranges for WBC count established by Mayo Medical Laboratories for infants from birth to 2 years are as follows:.
• Birth: 9.0 to 30.0 x 10 9 /L.
• 1 to 7 days: 9.4 to 34.0 x 10 9 /L.
• 8 to 14 days: 5.0 to 21.0 x 10 9 /L.
• 15 days to 1 month: 5.0 to 20.0 x 10 9 /L.
• 2 to 5 months: 5.0 to 15.0 x 10 9 /L. Therefore, a newborn's WBC of 15,000 is within the normal range and does not indicate any problem.
Choice B reason:
You must call the doctor. This is not a correct answer because there is no need to call the doctor for a normal WBC in a newborn. Calling the doctor unnecessarily may cause anxiety and a waste of time and resources.
Choice C reason:
This indicates a severe infection. This is not a correct answer because a WBC of 15,000 does not necessarily indicate a severe infection in a newborn. A high WBC, also called leukocytosis, may be related to infection, but it can also be caused by other factors such as stress, inflammation, trauma, medication, or blood disorders. Moreover, the type and severity of infection can be better assessed by looking at the differential count of the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes) and other signs and symptoms.
Choice D reason:
This is a lab error. This is not a correct answer because a WBC of 15,000 is not likely to be a lab error in a newborn. Lab errors can occur due to improper collection, handling, or analysis of blood samples, but they are rare and usually detected by quality control measures. A WBC of 15,000 is within the normal range for a newborn and does not require repeating the test unless there is a strong suspicion of an error or an inconsistency with other results or clinical findings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
FAS is caused by alcohol, and NAS is caused by opioids. This is the correct answer because FAS stands for fetal alcohol syndrome, which is a group of physical and mental defects that can occur in a baby when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. NAS stands for neonatal abstinence syndrome, which is a group of problems that can happen when a baby is exposed to opioid drugs for a length of time while in their mother's womb.
Choice B reason:
FAS and NAS are both incurable. This is incorrect because FAS and NAS have different outcomes. FAS is incurable because the effects of alcohol on the developing brain and body are permanent. NAS, however, can be treated with medication and supportive care to help the baby cope with withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications.
Choice C reason:
FAS and NAS are both curable. This is incorrect because FAS is not curable, as explained above. NAS can be treated, but not cured, because some babies may have long-term problems such as developmental delays, behavioral issues, or learning difficulties.
Choice D reason:
FAS is caused by analgesics and NAS is caused by NSAIDs. This is incorrect because FAS is caused by alcohol, not analgesics, which are painkillers. NAS is caused by opioids, not NSAIDs, which are anti-inflammatory drugs. Analgesics and NSAIDs do not cause the same type of damage to the fetus or the newborn as alcohol and opioids do.
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