A nurse is evaluating a newborn who was born 2 hours ago and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with chest wall retractions and blue discoloration of the hands and feet.
Which finding indicates a decline in the newborn’s status?
Oxygen saturation of 89%
Nasal flaring
Fine crackles
Apneic episode less than 15 seconds
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
An oxygen saturation of 89% in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with chest wall retractions and blue discoloration of the hands and feet indicates a decline in the newborn’s status. This level of oxygen saturation is below the normal range for a newborn, which is typically above 95%10111213. This could indicate that the newborn is not getting enough oxygen, which could be due to a variety of conditions, including respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice B rationale
Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn. However, it is a nonspecific sign and does not necessarily indicate a decline in the newborn’s status. It could be a normal response to the newborn’s efforts to breathe more effectively.
Choice C rationale
Fine crackles can be a sign of a lung condition in a newborn. However, they are a nonspecific sign and do not necessarily indicate a decline in the newborn’s status. They could be a normal finding in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago.
Choice D rationale
An apneic episode less than 15 seconds in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago is not necessarily indicative of a decline in the newborn’s status. Brief periods of apnea (pauses in breathing) are common in newborns and are usually not a cause for concern unless they last longer than 20 seconds or are associated with other signs of distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Avoiding performing sterile vaginal examinations does not directly address the issue of uterine atony and excessive bleeding. While limiting vaginal examinations can reduce the risk of infection, it does not treat uterine atony.
Choice B rationale
Administering betamethasone IM is not the appropriate action. Betamethasone is a steroid medication that is often given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm birth to help mature the baby’s lungs. It does not treat uterine atony or excessive bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a specimen for a Kleihauer-Betke test is not the appropriate action in this situation. The Kleihauer-Betke test is used to detect fetal blood in maternal circulation, which is not relevant in this case.
Choice D rationale
Anticipating a prescription for misoprostol is the correct action. Misoprostol is a medication that can be used to treat uterine atony by causing the uterus to contract, which can help control postpartum bleeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Providing a stimulating environment is not recommended for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). These infants often have a heightened response to stimuli, and a calm, quiet environment is usually more beneficial.
Choice B rationale
While it is important to monitor the infant’s overall health, there is no specific need to monitor blood glucose level every hour in infants with NAS unless there is a separate medical indication.
Choice C rationale
Initiating seizure precautions is an appropriate action for a nurse caring for an infant with signs of NAS5. Infants with NAS are at risk for seizures, so nurses should be prepared to manage this potential complication.
Choice D rationale
Placing the infant on his back with legs extended is not recommended. Infants with NAS often have increased muscle tone and may be uncomfortable in this position.
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