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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Swaddling a newborn can provide comfort and help soothe them. However, it is not a specific treatment for a Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System (NAS) score of 201.
Choice B rationale
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is not typically administered for NAS unless the newborn is experiencing life-threatening respiratory depression due to opioid exposure. Moreover, it is not specifically indicated for NAS scores greater than 241.
Choice C rationale
Continuing NAS scoring as prescribed is important for monitoring the newborn’s condition. However, a score of 20 indicates significant withdrawal symptoms, which may require more than just monitoring.
Choice D rationale
Administering oral morphine is a common treatment for NAS. Morphine, an opioid medication, is used to manage withdrawal symptoms in newborns with NAS. The goal is to control symptoms and then gradually wean the newborn off the medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Drying the infant off and covering the head is important to prevent heat loss, but it is not the first action to be taken. The newborn’s body temperature can drop rapidly because of the evaporation of amniotic fluid, so drying the infant is a priority, but not the first one.
Choice B rationale
Stimulating the infant to cry is important as it helps to clear the lungs of amniotic fluid and promotes the expansion of the lungs for effective oxygenation. However, this is not the first action to be taken. The first action is to clear the respiratory tract.
Choice C rationale
Clearing the respiratory tract is the first action to be taken to ensure the newborn can breathe properly. This is done by suctioning the mouth first and then the nose to prevent aspiration of mucus or amniotic fluid, which can lead to respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
Cutting the umbilical cord is done after the newborn’s respiratory status is stable. It is not the first action to be taken. The umbilical cord is usually clamped and cut by the healthcare provider after it has stopped pulsating, or after the newborn has started to breathe on their own.
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