A nurse is collecting data from a newborn who is 12 hours old. His respiration rate is 44/min, shallow, with periods of apnea lasting up to 5 seconds. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Activate respiratory arrest procedures.
Request an order for supplemental oxygen.
Continue routine monitoring.
Report the observation to the charge nurse immediately.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Activating respiratory arrest procedures is not necessary in this situation. The newborn's respiratory rate, although slightly elevated, does not indicate respiratory arrest. Instead, such procedures are reserved for situations where the newborn has stopped breathing or is in acute respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
Requesting an order for supplemental oxygen may be premature. The newborn's respiration rate of 44/min, although shallow with periods of apnea, is still within the normal range for a newborn. Providing supplemental oxygen should be considered when the newborn is showing signs of significant respiratory distress or if oxygen saturation levels are low.
Choice C rationale:
The most appropriate action in this scenario is to continue routine monitoring of the newborn's respiratory rate and overall condition. Newborns often exhibit irregular breathing patterns, including periods of apnea, especially in the first few hours after birth. As long as the newborn's color, heart rate, and overall appearance are stable, routine monitoring is appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
There is no need to report the observation to the charge nurse immediately, as the newborn's respiratory rate and pattern fall within the expected range for a 12-hour-old newborn.
Reporting should be considered when there are significant deviations from the norm or if the newborn's condition deteriorates.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A respiratory rate of 22/min would be abnormally low for a newborn. The expected reference range for newborns is around 30-60 breaths per minute.
Choice B rationale:
A respiratory rate of 100/min would be abnormally high for a newborn. Such a high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or other underlying issues and requires further evaluation.
Choice C rationale:
A respiratory rate of 48/min falls within the expected reference range for a newborn, which is around 30-60 breaths per minute. This rate suggests that the newborn's respiratory system is functioning within the normal range.
Choice D rationale:
A respiratory rate of 110/min would be abnormally high for a newborn. As mentioned earlier, the expected reference range for newborns is around 30-60 breaths per minute, making this rate concerning and necessitating further assessment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This is the priority finding because a bilirubin level of 18 mg/dL in a 4-hour-old newborn is significantly elevated. High bilirubin levels in newborns can lead to jaundice, which can be harmful if not promptly addressed. Hyperbilirubinemia in newborns requires close monitoring and, in some cases, treatment with phototherapy.
Choice B rationale:
A hemoglobin level of 22 g/dL is within the normal range for a newborn and is not a priority concern at this time.
Choice C rationale:
A blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL is within the normal range for a newborn. While monitoring blood glucose levels is essential, it is not the priority in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
A platelet count of 200,000/mm³ is within the normal range for a newborn and does not require immediate action.
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