A nurse is caring for a 36-hour-old male newborn who was born at 39 weeks of gestation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The newborn has been breastfeeding 3 to 4 times per day and has voided once since birth but has not passed meconium stool since birth. The nurse notes that the newborn’s sclera appears yellow.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply.)
Positive Coombs test
Glucose level
Scleía coloí
Absence of meconium stool
Head assessment finding
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Mucous membíane assessment
Correct Answer : A,C,D,F,G,H
Choice A rationale: A positive Coombs test indicates that the newborn has antibodies against his own red blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition can cause severe anemia and jaundice, which can lead to complications such as kernicterus if not treated promptly.
Choice B rationale: The newborn’s glucose level is within the normal range (40 to 60 mg/dL), so this finding does not require immediate follow-up.
Choice C rationale: The yellow color of the sclera indicates jaundice, which can be a sign of hyperbilirubinemia. This condition can lead to complications such as kernicterus if bilirubin levels become too high.
Choice D rationale: The absence of meconium stool in a 36-hour-old newborn is unusual, as most newborns pass meconium within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. This could indicate a problem such as meconium ileus or Hirschsprung disease, which would require further evaluation.
Choice E rationale: The head assessment finding of caput succedaneum is a common and typically harmless condition in newborns caused by pressure on the head during delivery. It does not require immediate follow-up.
Choice F rationale: The newborn’s heart rate is slightly elevated (normal range for a newborn is 120-160 beats per minute). This could be a response to factors such as fever, pain, or distress, and should be reported to the provider.
Choice G rationale: The newborn’s respiratory rate is also elevated (normal range for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute). This could be a sign of respiratory distress and should be reported to the provider.
Choice H rationale: Dry mucous membranes can be a sign of dehydration, which can occur if the newborn is not feeding well or is losing too much fluid, for example, through excessive sweating due to fever. This should be reported to the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Telling a grieving mother that not holding her baby will make letting go much harder can be seen as insensitive and may not be true for all individuals. Each person’s grief process is unique.
Choice B rationale
Assuring the mother that she will be able to have another baby when she’s ready may be seen as dismissive of her current loss. It’s important to acknowledge the pain of losing this specific child, rather than focusing on future children.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. Offering the mother the opportunity to bathe and dress her baby can provide a sense of closure and a chance to say goodbye. It allows the mother to care for her baby in the short time they have together.
Choice D rationale
While some parents may find comfort in naming their baby, it should not be presented as something the mother “should” do. The decision to name the baby is a personal one and should be left up to the parents.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A blood pressure of 88/40 mm Hg is significantly lower than the normal range, which could indicate hemorrhage. Hypotension is a common sign of significant blood loss.
Choice B rationale
Moderate rubra lochia is normal within the first few days postpartum and does not necessarily indicate hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale
A heart rate of 90/min is within the normal range and does not indicate hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale
A urinary output of 40 mL/hr is within the normal range and does not indicate hemorrhage.
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