A nurse is caring for a newborn with a gestational age of 42 weeks.
Which finding would the nurse expect during the assessment of this newborn?
Sole creases that cover only the anterior one-third of the foot.
Abundance of vernix caseosa in the skin creases.
Dryness and flaking of the skin on the hands and feet.
Large amount of fine, downy hair on the back and shoulders.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Dryness and flaking of the skin on the hands and feet. This is because a newborn with a gestational age of 42 weeks is considered post-mature and has lost the protective vernix caseosa that covers the skin of most newborns. The skin of a post-mature newborn is also more exposed to the amniotic fluid, which can cause it to peel and crack.
Choice A is wrong because sole creases that cover only the anterior one-third of the foot are characteristic of a preterm newborn, not a post-mature one.
Choice B is wrong because vernix caseosa is abundant in preterm newborns and decreases as gestational age increases. A post-mature newborn would have little or no vernix caseosa on the skin.
Choice D is wrong because a large amount of fine, downy hair (lanugo) on the back and shoulders is also typical of a preterm newborn, not a post-mature one. Lanugo usually disappears by 36 weeks of gestation. A post-mature newborn would have little or no lanugo on the body.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
he correct answer is choice D. Keep the infant well hydrated.This is because phototherapy can cause dehydration due to increased insensible water loss from the skin.Hydration helps the infant excrete bilirubin in urine and stool.
Choice A is wrong because elevating the head of the infant’s crib does not affect bilirubin levels or phototherapy effectiveness.
Choice B is wrong because applying a water-soluble ointment to the infant’s eyes can interfere with eye protection and cause eye irritation.The infant’s eyes should be covered with opaque patches or goggles during phototherapy to prevent eye damage.
Choice C is wrong because dressing the infant in a long-sleeved shirt reduces the amount of skin exposed to light and decreases the efficacy of phototherapy.The infant should be undressed except for a diaper and eye protection during phototherapy.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels vary depending on the age of the infant, the type of jaundice, and the method of measurement.Generally, bilirubin levels above 25 mg/dL are considered dangerous and require urgent treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Position the patient in a left lateral position.This is because late fetal decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen to the fetus.By positioning the patient on her left side, the blood flow to the placenta and the fetus is improved.
Choice A is wrong because notifying the health care provider is not the first action that the nurse should take.The nurse should first intervene to correct the cause of fetal distress and then inform the provider.
Choice C is wrong because increasing the patient’s intravenous rate may not help with uteroplacental insufficiency.It may also cause fluid overload or pulmonary edema in the patient.
Choice D is wrong because providing the patient with oxygen via a face mask is not the most effective way to increase fetal oxygenation.Oxygen therapy may be used as an adjunct to other interventions, but it is not sufficient by itself.
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