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 D
Explanation
A nurse caring for a client who is receiving prenatal care and is at her 24-week appointment should plan to conduct a one-hour glucose tolerance test.
This test is done to screen for gestational diabetes that can develop during pregnancy.
Choice A, Group B strep culture, is not an answer because it is a test usually done between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy to check for the presence of Group B streptococcus bacteria.
Choice B, Rubella titer, is not an answer because it is a blood test usually done early in pregnancy to check for immunity to rubella.
Choice C, Blood type and Rh, is not an answer because it is a blood test usually done early in pregnancy to determine the mother’s blood type and Rh factor.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
“Use an automatic puncture device on the heel.” This is the most common and minimally invasive method to draw capillary blood from an infant for medical testing.

Choice A is incorrect because the heel should be punctured on the outer aspect of the foot to avoid damaging the calcaneus bone.
Choice C is incorrect because the heel should be cleansed with an alcohol swab
before, not after, the procedure.
Choice D is incorrect because there is no need to place an ice pack on the newborn’s heel before the procedure.
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