A nurse is caring for a newborn whose mother was taking methadone during her pregnancy.
Which of the following findings indicates the newborn is experiencing withdrawal?
Acrocyanosis
Bradycardia
Bulging fontanels
Hypertonicity
The Correct Answer is D
Hypertonicity is a sign of increased muscle tone and stiffness, which can indicate that the newborn is experiencing withdrawal from methadone exposure in utero. Methadone is an opioid medication that can cross the placenta and cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the newborn.
Choice A, acrocyanosis, is wrong because it is a normal finding in newborns.
Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. It usually resolves within the first 24 to 48 hours of life.
Choice B, bradycardia, is wrong because it is not a typical sign of withdrawal.
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually less than 100 beats per minute in newborns. It can be caused by hypoxia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or vagal stimulation.
Choice C, bulging fontanels, is wrong because it is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, not withdrawal. Bulging fontanels can be caused by meningitis, hydrocephalus, or hemorrhage.
Normal ranges for newborn vital signs are as follows:
- Heart rate: 120 to 160 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 30 to 60 breaths per minute
- Temperature: 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F)
- Blood pressure: 60 to 80 mm Hg systolic and 40 to 50 mm Hg diastolic
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C, malaise.
Malaise is a general feeling of discomfort, weakness, or illness that can be a sign of infection. According to the health search result from Focus Medica , bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs that causes symptoms such as cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Malaise is one of the symptoms that may follow these signs of infection.
Choice A, drooling, is wrong because it is not a typical symptom of bacterial pneumonia.
Drooling can be caused by other conditions, such as sore throat, dental problems, or neurological disorders.
Choice B, tinnitus, is wrong because it is not a symptom of bacterial pneumonia either.
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or other ear problems.
Choice D, rhinorrhea, is wrong because it is not specific to bacterial pneumonia.
Rhinorrhea is a runny nose that can be caused by many factors, such as allergies, colds, or sinus infections.
Rhinorrhea can sometimes occur with viral pneumonia, but not usually with bacterial pneumonia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Evaluate the client’s ability to help with repositioning.
This is because the nurse should assess the client’s level of mobility, strength, and coordination before repositioning them to prevent injury and promote comfort.
The nurse should also use appropriate assistive devices, such as a drawsheet, a trapeze bar, or a mechanical lift, to facilitate safe repositioning and reduce the risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers.
Choice A is wrong because raising the side rails on both sides of the client’s bed during repositioning can increase the risk of falls and entrapment.
The nurse should only raise the side rail on the opposite side of the bed from where they are working and lower it when they are done.
Choice B is wrong because repositioning the client without assistive devices can cause strain and injury to both the nurse and the client.
The nurse should use assistive devices that are appropriate for the client’s condition and weight.
Choice C is wrong because discussing the client’s preferences for determining a repositioning schedule is not a priority action when preparing to reposition a client who had a stroke.
The nurse should follow the facility’s protocol for repositioning frequency, which is usually every 2 hours, and adjust it according to the client’s needs and comfort.
The nurse should also involve the client in the care plan and respect their preferences whenever possible.
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