A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 56 hours old.
Vital Signs: At 07:00: Awake, alert, and crying.
The color is pink with acrocyanosis.
The respiratory rate is 70/min with no retractions, grunting, or nasal flaring noted.
Jitteriness is noted in the hands.
At 07:20: Attempted to feed the newborn.
Poor feeding and poor suck were noted.
Loose stool was observed in the diaper, which was then changed.
Which of the following assessment findings is consistent with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)?

Awake, alert, and crying

pink with acrocyanosis

A respiratory rate of 70/min

Jitteriness in the hands

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

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 may experience 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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Potential Condition: Preterm labor. Based on the information provided, the patient is most likely experiencing preterm labor. Actions to Take: Administer tocolytics. If the patient is in preterm labor, the nurse should administer tocolytics to try to stop the contractions. Parameters to Monitor: Frequency of contractions. The nurse should monitor the frequency of contractions to assess the patient’s progress.

A. Cracked, peeling skin B. Abundant lanugo C. Short, soft fingernails D. Abundant vernix .

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale: A postmature newborn, or one born after 42 weeks of gestation, is likely to exhibit cracked, peeling skin due to the prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid and the absence of vernix. This makes Choice A the correct answer, as it reflects the expected findings for a postmature newborn.

Choice B rationale: Abundant lanugo is typically seen in preterm infants, not postmature infants. Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that covers the fetus and usually disappears by 37 weeks of gestation. Therefore, Choice B is not an expected finding for a postmature newborn.

Choice C rationale: Short, soft fingernails are characteristic of preterm infants. In postmature infants, fingernails are generally long and may extend beyond the fingertips due to prolonged gestation. This makes Choice C an incorrect answer for the expected findings of a postmature newborn.

Choice D rationale: Abundant vernix is typically seen in preterm and term infants. Vernix is a white, cheesy substance that covers the fetal skin to protect it from amniotic fluid. Postmature infants usually have minimal to no vernix present, as it has already been absorbed. Therefore, Choice D is not an expected finding for a postmature newborn.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to assess a newborn who is postmature. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is a primigravida, at term, and having contractions but is unsure if she is in labor. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a sign of true labor?

A nurse is caring for a preterm newborn who is in an incubator to maintain a neutral thermal environment. The father of the newborn asks the nurse why this is necessary. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 30 minutes old. After reviewing the information in the newborn’s medical record, which of the following complications should the nurse identify as posing the greatest risk?

A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who is 3 weeks postpartum following the birth of a healthy newborn. The client reports feeling down and sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry. What should be the nurse’s priority action?

A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the maternity unit at 38 weeks of gestation and who is experiencing polyhydramnios. What does this diagnosis mean?

A nurse is planning care for a newborn who is small for gestational age (SGA). Which of the following is the priority intervention the nurse should include in the newborn’s plan of care?