A nurse is caring for a newborn.
Which of the following assessment findings should indicate to the nurse that suctioning of the nasopharynx is needed?
The newborn's respiratory rate is 32/min.
The newborn's respiratory rate is irregular.
The newborn is beginning to cough.
The newborn's pulse oximetry is 91.
None of the above
The Correct Answer is E
None of the choices provided indicate that suctioning of the nasopharynx is needed for a newborn.
Nasopharyngeal suctioning is performed to remove mucus or saliva from the back of the throat when a newborn is unable to cough or swallow. It is commonly used in infants with bronchiolitis.
Choice A, “The newborn’s respiratory rate is 32/min,” is not an answer because a respiratory rate of 32/min is within the normal range for a newborn.
Choice B, “The newborn’s respiratory rate is irregular,” is not an answer because irregular breathing paterns are common in newborns.
Choice C, “The newborn is beginning to cough,” is not an answer because coughing is a normal reflex that helps clear the airway.
Choice D, “The newborn’s pulse oximetry is 91,” is not an answer because pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation and does not indicate the need for nasopharyngeal suctioning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months.
Exclusive breastfeeding means that your baby has only breastmilk for 6 months. That means giving your baby breastmilk from your breasts or from botles.
Don’t give your baby water, sugar water, or formula.
The other choices are not recommended:
A. Newborns do not need water between feedings.
C. The length of time a newborn feeds per breast can vary and is not necessarily
limited to 5-10 minutes.
D. Newborns typically have more than two to four wet diapers every 24 hours.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A newborn who is 10 hr old and has onset tachypnea.
Tachypnea means rapid breathing and can be a sign of respiratory distress.
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a respiratory disorder usually seen shortly after delivery in babies who are born near or at term.
It is important for the nurse to assess this newborn first to determine the cause of the tachypnea and provide appropriate care.

Choice A, a newborn who is 24 hr old and has not had a meconium stool, may
require further assessment but is not as urgent as a newborn with tachypnea.
Choice B, a newborn who has a short frenulum and is having difficulty breastfeeding, may require assistance with feeding but is not as urgent as a newborn with tachypnea.
Choice D, a newborn who is 30 hr old and has blood-tinged discharge in her diaper, may have pseudomenstruation which is normal and not a cause for concern.
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