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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is not a normal finding in pregnancy. It could indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or other kidney problems. However, without more information, it’s not possible to determine the significance of this finding in a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation.
Choice B rationale
A BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level of 40 mg/dL is higher than the normal range, which is between 7 and 20 mg/dL17181920. This could indicate that the kidneys are not working properly. However, it could also be due to a high-protein diet, dehydration, or other factors.
Choice C rationale
Leukorrhea, or vaginal discharge, is a common symptom of pregnancy. It is usually thin, white or clear, and mild smelling. If the discharge is yellow, green, or gray, has a strong smell, or is accompanied by itching or burning, it could indicate an infection.
Choice D rationale
A platelet count of 90,000/mm is lower than the normal range, which is between 150,000 and 450,000/mm25. This could indicate a condition called thrombocytopenia, which can be caused by various conditions, including pregnancy25. However, without more information, it’s not possible to determine the significance of this finding in a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation25.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a nurse notes a steady trickle of vaginal bleeding that does not stop with fundal massage after a cesarean birth, administering a 500 mL lactated Ringer’s IV bolus can help increase the client’s circulating volume and support her hemodynamic stability. This is often the first step in managing postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
While evaluating urinary output is an important aspect of postoperative care, it would not directly address the issue of ongoing vaginal bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Applying an ice pack to the incision site can help reduce swelling and provide some pain relief, but it would not address the issue of vaginal bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Replacing the surgical dressing is part of routine postoperative care, but it would not directly address the issue of ongoing vaginal bleeding.
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