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A nurse is caring for a term newborn male client who is 72 hours old in the neonatal intensive care unit. The newborn was born after a precipitous vaginal birth at 39 weeks of gestation. The mother has a history of opioid use during pregnancy.
Exhibits
The nurse is assessing the newborn 24 hours later. For each finding, specify whether the finding is unrelated to the diagnosis, a sign of potential improvement, or a sign of potential worsening condition.

A.

Regurgitation

B.

Transient strabismus

C.

Mottling

D.

Respiratory rate 70/min

E.

Continuous high-pitched cry

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"C"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"C"},"D":{"answers":"C"},"E":{"answers":"C"}}

•    Regurgitation: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition as it might indicate gastrointestinal issues, which can be a symptom of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
•    Transient strabismus: This is unrelated to the diagnosis. Strabismus is common in newborns and usually resolves on its own within the first few months of life.
•    Mottling: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition. Mottling (a lacy pattern of dilated blood vessels under the skin) can be a sign of distress in a newborn.
•    Respiratory rate 70/min: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition. A respiratory rate of 70/min is higher than the normal range (30-60 breaths per minute) for a newborn, indicating possible respiratory distress.
•    Continuous high-pitched cry: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition. A high-pitched cry is a common symptom of NAS.
•    Loose stools: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition. Loose stools can be a symptom of NAS.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Checking the newborn’s identification using the crib card is not the most reliable method. The crib card could be misplaced or switched accidentally.
Choice B rationale
Requiring visitors to wear an identification band does not directly ensure the proper identification of newborns. While it can enhance the security of the unit, it does not link the newborn to their correct parents.
Choice C rationale
Replacing the infant’s identification band after his name has been recorded is not the most effective method. The identification band should be placed on the newborn immediately after birth to prevent mix-ups.

Choice D rationale
Obtaining an imprint of the infant’s feet prior to taking him to the nursery is the correct answer. This method is a reliable way to identify newborns. The footprints, along with the mother’s fingerprints, are often taken within the first hour after birth. This can be used for identification throughout the hospital stay.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"C"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"C"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

  • Urine pH 5.0: This is an improvement as the pH has increased from 4.4, moving closer to the normal range (4.6 to 8).
  • Urine specific gravity 1.050: This is a sign of potential worsening as the specific gravity has increased from 1.040, indicating possible dehydration.
  • 3+ ketones: This is a sign of potential worsening as the presence of ketones has increased from 2+, indicating the body is breaking down fat for energy due to insufficient glucose.
  • Urinary output 40 mL/hr: This is an improvement as the urinary output has increased from 20 mL/hr, indicating better hydration.
  • Heart rate 130/min: This is a sign of potential worsening as the heart rate has increased from 128/min, possibly due to dehydration.
  • WBC count 10,000/mmt: This is unrelated to the diagnosis as it’s within the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm³) and doesn’t directly relate to the client’s symptoms of vomiting and dehydration.

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