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
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The leader allows the group to discuss whatever they would like to regarding their medications.
This is because a laissez-faire leadership style is characterized by minimal guidance and direction from the leader, and maximum freedom and autonomy for the followers.
The leader does not impose any rules or expectations on the group, and lets them decide how to manage their own learning and behavior.
Choice A is wrong because having group members vote on what they would like to learn about during the session is an example of a democratic leadership style, not a laissez-faire one.
A democratic leader solicits input and feedback from the group, and makes decisions based on consensus and majority rule.
Choice B is wrong because lecturing about medication adverse effects to the group members is an example of an authoritarian leadership style, not a laissez-faire one.
An authoritarian leader dictates what the group should do and how they should do it, without considering their opinions or preferences.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging group members to remain silent until questions are called for is an example of a paternalistic leadership style, not a laissez-faire one.
A paternalistic leader treats the group as if they are incapable of making their own decisions, and assumes a protective and nurturing role over them.
Normal ranges for leadership styles are not applicable in this context, as different styles may be more or less effective depending on the situation and the goals of the group.
However, some general advantages and disadvantages of each style are:
- Laissez-faire: Advantages - fosters creativity, independence, and self-motivation; Disadvantages - may lead to chaos, confusion, and lack of accountability.
- Democratic: Advantages - promotes participation, collaboration, and satisfaction; Disadvantages - may be time-consuming, inefficient, and conflict-prone.
- Authoritarian: Advantages - provides clarity, direction, and control; Disadvantages - may cause resentment, resistance, and dependency.
- Paternalistic: Advantages - creates trust, loyalty, and commitment; Disadvantages - may inhibit growth, development, and empowerment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: “We can review some information to help you select a safe alternative practitioner.” This statement shows respect for the client’s interest in alternative therapies and offers guidance on how to choose a reliable and qualified provider. Alternative therapies can provide some benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis, such as reducing pain, inflammation, and stiffness, but they should be used as a complement to conventional treatments and not as a substitute.
Choice B is wrong because it implies that the client has no role in deciding their own treatment plan and that alternative therapies are not worth considering.
This may discourage the client from sharing their preferences and concerns with the provider.
Choice C is wrong because it suggests that online support groups are a reliable source of information about alternative remedies, which may not be true.
Online sources may contain inaccurate, misleading, or harmful information that could jeopardize the client’s health and safety.
Choice D is wrong because it encourages the client to try any therapy that fits their personal belief system, without considering the evidence, effectiveness, or potential risks of such therapies. Some alternative therapies may interact with medications, cause side effects, or worsen the condition.
Normal ranges for rheumatoid arthritis are not applicable in this question, as it is not asking about laboratory values or disease activity measures. However, some common tests used to diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis include erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Creactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, and joint ultrasound or X-ray.
The normal ranges for these tests may vary depending on the laboratory and the method used.
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