1. A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth.

Exhibit 1

Medical History

Vacuum-assisted vaginal birth

Maternal history of positive group B streptococcus 8-hemolytic Mother received two doses of ampicillin IV bolus during labor

Exhibit 2

Vital Signs

Apgar:

Heart rate 96/min

Weak cry

Muscle tone: some flexion

Reflex: grimace

Color: acrocyanosis

Axillary temperature 36.9° C (98.5° F)

Exhibit 3

Medications

Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment once 1 to 2 hr after birth Hepatitis B vaccine 10 mcg/0.5 mL IM once within 24 hr after birth

Phytonadione 1 mg IM once 1 to 2 hr after birth

Exhibit 4

Laboratory Findings

WBC count 15,000mm (9,000 to 30,000/mm)

Hgb 19 g/dl (15 to 24 g/dL)

HCt 57% (44% to 70%)

Blood glucose 44 mg/dl (40 to 60 mg/dL)

The nurse is assessing the newborn 24 hr later. How should the nurse interpret the findings?

For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is unrelated to the diagnosis, an indication that the client's condition is improving, or indication that the client's condition is worsening

A. Weak cry

While infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) may exhibit irritability and excessive crying, a weak cry specifically is not typically associated with NAS. A weak cry could indicate other issues such as respiratory distress or neurological problems, but it is not a characteristic manifestation of NAS.

B. Absent Moro reflex

The Moro reflex is a normal primitive reflex present in newborns, involving the sudden extension and then flexion of the infant's arms in response to a sensation of falling or a loud noise. While NAS can affect the nervous system, leading to irritability and tremors, it typically does not cause the complete absence of the Moro reflex. Thus, this choice is less likely.

C. Respiratory rate of 30/min

A respiratory rate of 30/min in a newborn is within the normal range. While NAS can sometimes cause respiratory distress, it would typically present as symptoms such as rapid breathing, not necessarily a specific rate like 30/min. Therefore, this choice is not strongly associated with NAS.

D. Poor feeding

Poor feeding is a common manifestation of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Infants born to mothers who used methadone during pregnancy often experience withdrawal symptoms, including irritability and gastrointestinal issues, which can interfere with their ability to feed effectively. Poor feeding is a hallmark sign of NAS and is frequently observed in affected newborns.

A. Move the client onto their hands and knees.

This action refers to the Gaskin maneuver, which involves changing the maternal position to help alleviate shoulder dystocia during childbirth. By positioning the client on their hands and knees, gravity assists in changing the orientation of the pelvis, potentially allowing more space for the baby to be delivered. While the Gaskin maneuver can be effective in some cases of shoulder dystocia, it is not the McRoberts maneuver.

B. Press firmly on the client's suprapubic area.

This action describes the Rubin maneuver, another technique used to address shoulder dystocia. With the Rubin maneuver, pressure is applied to the anterior shoulder of the fetus, aiming to rotate it into an oblique diameter, which may help dislodge the shoulder from behind the symphysis pubis. While the Rubin maneuver can be helpful in certain cases of shoulder dystocia, it is not the McRoberts maneuver.

C. Apply pressure to the client's fundus.

Applying pressure to the client's fundus is not part of the McRoberts maneuver. In fact, this action is not recommended for managing shoulder dystocia as it could potentially worsen the situation by causing further impaction of the baby's shoulder against the mother's pubic bone.

D. Assist the client in pulling their knees toward their abdomen.

This is the correct action corresponding to the McRoberts maneuver. During the McRoberts maneuver, the nurse assists the client in flexing their hips sharply toward their abdomen. This action helps to widen the pelvic outlet and may facilitate the release of the impacted shoulder, allowing for easier delivery of the baby. The McRoberts maneuver is one of the primary maneuvers used to manage shoulder dystocia during childbirth.