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 A
No explanation
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Swaddle the newborn in a flexed position.This helps to reduce the symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome, which is what happens when babies are exposed to drugs in the womb before birth and go through drug withdrawal after birth.Swaddling can provide comfort, warmth, and security to the newborn and decrease their stress response.
Choice A is wrong because maintaining the newborn in a reverse Trendelenburg position does not help with drug withdrawal symptoms and may increase the risk of aspiration or reflux.
Choice B is wrong because gently stroking the newborn’s face and head may overstimulate the newborn and worsen their irritability and tremors.
Choice D is wrong because providing the newborn with visual stimulation may also overstimulate the newborn and increase their discomfort and agitation.
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