A nursing student is helping the nursery nurses with morning vital signs. A baby born 10 hours ago via cesarean section is found to have moist lung sounds. What is the best interpretation of these data?
If this baby was born vaginally, it could indicate a pneumothorax.
The neonate must have aspirated surfactant.
The lungs of a baby delivered by cesarean section may sound moist for 24 hours after birth.
The nurse should notify the pediatrician stat for this emergency situation.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. The lungs of a baby delivered by cesarean section may sound moist for 24 hours after birth.
Choice A reason:
If this baby was born vaginally, it could indicate a pneumothorax.
A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition can happen in newborns, especially those with underlying lung issues or those who have undergone mechanical ventilation However, moist lung sounds in a newborn are not typically indicative of a pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is more likely to present with symptoms such as rapid breathing, grunting, and cyanosis.
Choice B reason:
The neonate must have aspirated surfactant.
Surfactant aspiration is not a common cause of moist lung sounds. Surfactant is a substance that helps keep the lungs’ air sacs open and is crucial for proper lung function. Aspiration of surfactant is not a typical diagnosis and would not usually result in moist lung sounds. Instead, surfactant deficiency or dysfunction can lead to respiratory distress syndrome, which presents differently.
Choice C reason:
The lungs of a baby delivered by cesarean section may sound moist for 24 hours after birth.
Babies born via cesarean section often have moist lung sounds because they do not experience the compression of the chest that occurs during vaginal delivery, which helps expel fluid from the lungs. This retained fluid can cause moist lung sounds, which typically resolve within the first 24 hours after birth. This is a normal finding and does not usually indicate a serious problem.
Choice D reason:
The nurse should notify the pediatrician stat for this emergency situation.
While it is always important to monitor newborns closely, moist lung sounds alone in a baby born via cesarean section are not typically an emergency. This finding is usually due to retained fluid in the lungs, which is expected to clear within the first day of life. Immediate notification of the pediatrician is not necessary unless the baby shows other signs of respiratory distress or other concerning symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The tonic neck reflex, also called the fencing posture, occurs when a baby's head is turned to one side. The arm and leg on that side stretch out, while the opposite arm and leg bend up at the elbow. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 7 months old. This reflex matches the description of the question.
Choice B reason:
The Moro reflex, also called the startle reflex, is the baby's reaction to being startled. The cause is often a loud sound, a sudden movement, or even their own cry. As an adult, you may jump or gasp when you are startled. A baby will throw back their head, extend their arms and legs, cry, then pull their arms and legs back in. This reflex does not match the description of the question.
Choice C reason:
The startled reflex is not a distinct reflex in newborns. It is another name for the Moro reflex, which is explained.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypothermia is the priority area for this newborn because the axillary temperature of 95.8° F (35.4° C) is below the normal range of 97.7° F to 99.5° F (36.5° C to 37.5° C) for newborns1. Hypothermia can lead to complications such as hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and impaired oxygen delivery2. The nurse should initiate interventions to warm the newborn, such as skin-to-skin contact, radiant warmer, or swaddling2.
Choice B reason:
Deficient fluid volume is not the priority area for this newborn because the apical pulse of 114 beats per minute is within the normal range of 100 to 160 beats per minute for newborns345. A low pulse rate can indicate dehydration or shock in newborns2. The nurse should monitor the newborn's fluid intake and output, weight, and signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes, sunken fontanels, and poor skin turgor2.
Choice C reason:
Impaired gas exchange is not the priority area for this newborn because the respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute is within the normal range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute for newborns345. A high or low respiratory rate can indicate respiratory distress or failure in newborns2. The nurse should assess the newborn's breath sounds, chest movements, oxygen saturation, and signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis2.
Choice D reason:
Risk for infection is not the priority area for this newborn because there is no evidence of infection in the vital signs or the question stem. However, newborns are vulnerable to infection due to their immature immune systems and exposure to pathogens during birth and aftercare2. The nurse should follow infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, aseptic technique, and cord care, and educate the parents on how to prevent infection at home2.
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