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. Taking a hot shower in the morning can help decrease stiffness and improve joint mobility for people with rheumatoid arthritis. This is one of the self-management strategies that can reduce pain and disability.
Choice A is wrong because applying cold packs directly on the skin of the affected joints can cause vasoconstriction and increase inflammation.
Cold therapy should be used with caution and with a barrier between the skin and the ice pack.
Choice B is wrong because biological response modifiers are not used to prevent infection, but to reduce inflammation and slow down joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
These medications can actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.
Choice D is wrong because clustering physical activities during the day can cause fatigue and joint stress for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
It is better to pace activities throughout the day and take frequent breaks to rest the joints.
Normal ranges for rheumatoid arthritis are based on the disease activity score (DAS), which measures the number of swollen and tender joints, the level of inflammation in the blood, and the patient’s global assessment of health. A DAS below 2.6 indicates remission, a DAS between 2.6 and 3.2 indicates low disease activity, a DAS between 3.2 and 5.1 indicates moderate disease activity, and a DAS above 5.1 indicates high disease activity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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