A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 4 hours old. After reviewing the information in the newborn’s medical record, the nurse should recognize that the newborn is at risk for developing which of the following complications?
The newborn is at risk for developing neonatal abstinence syndrome as evidenced by the urine toxicology screen results.
The newborn is at risk for developing neonatal jaundice as evidenced by the yellowish skin tone.
The newborn is at risk for developing neonatal hypoglycemia as evidenced by the low birth weight.
The newborn is at risk for developing neonatal sepsis as evidenced by the maternal history of infection.
The newborn is at risk for developing neonatal sepsis as evidenced by the maternal history of infection.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a condition that results from withdrawal from exposure to narcotics. It is not related to the newborn’s weight.
Choice B rationale
While a yellowish skin tone may indicate jaundice, this is not directly related to the newborn’s weight. Jaundice is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow-orange substance in the blood.
Choice C rationale
Newborns with low birth weight are at risk for hypoglycemia because they have less stored glycogen. They may use up their glucose stores quickly and not have enough intake to maintain their blood glucose levels.
Choice D rationale
Neonatal sepsis is a severe infection in an infant less than 28 days old. It is not directly related to the newborn’s weight but can be associated with maternal infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While providing age-appropriate stimulation is important for all newborns, it is not the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery.
Choice B rationale
Educating the parents about the defect is an important part of care, but it is not the priority nursing goal. The immediate physical needs of the newborn take precedence.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. The sac covering the exposed neural tissue must be carefully protected to prevent infection and further damage. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the sac is the priority nursing goal.
Choice D rationale
Promoting maternal-infant bonding is important, but it is not the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: An awake, alert, and crying newborn is a common observation and does not specifically indicate Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Newborns have varying sleep-wake cycles, and it’s normal for them to have periods of being awake and alert. Crying is also a normal behavior for newborns as it’s their primary means of communication. It could indicate a variety of needs such as hunger, the need for a diaper change, or just the need for comfort and contact. Therefore, while an excessively crying baby could potentially be a sign of discomfort or distress, it is
not specifically indicative of NAS.
Choice B rationale: The presence of acrocyanosis, which is the bluish color of the hands and feet, is a normal finding in the first 24 to 48 hours of life due to immature circulation. It’s not specifically associated with NAS. NAS is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. Acrocyanosis is generally not a symptom of NAS.
Choice C rationale: A respiratory rate of 70/min is higher than the normal range (30-60/min) for a newborn and could indicate respiratory distress. However, it’s not specifically indicative of NAS. There are many potential causes of tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) in a newborn, including transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), pneumonia, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), and more. While infants with NAS mayexperience symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and rapid breathing, a high respiratory rate alone is not specifically indicative of NAS.
Choice D rationale: Jitteriness in the hands of a newborn can be a sign of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a drug withdrawal syndrome in newborns that occurs primarily among opioid-exposed infants shortly after birth, often manifested by central nervous system irritability, autonomic overreactivity, and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. Jitteriness or tremors, especially when disturbed, along with other signs such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding, and
loose stools, are more indicative of NAS.
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