During an observational experience in labor and delivery, the student nurse recognizes that thick meconium is present in the amniotic ﬂuid. Upon delivery of the newborn, the student nurse understands that there are signs that indicate that the newborn will need resuscitation. These signs are:
Select one:

Central cyanosis and poor tone.

Heart rate of 160 beats per minute and spitting up mucus.

Crying with respirations of greater than 60 breaths per minute.

Blue hands and feet but lips that are slowly pinking up.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason: Central cyanosis and poor tone. These are signs of hypoxia and asphyxia in newborns, which indicate a need for resuscitation. Central cyanosis means bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes around the mouth, nose, or eyes. Poor tone means limpness or lack of muscle activity.

Choice B Reason: Heart rate of 160 beats per minute and spitting up mucus. These are not signs of hypoxia or asphyxia in newborns, but rather normal findings or minor issues. A normal heart rate for a newborn ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. Spitting up mucus may be due to excess secretions or swallowing amniotic ﬂuid, which can be cleared by suctioning or burping.

Choice C Reason: Crying with respirations of greater than 60 breaths per minute. These are not signs of hypoxia or asphyxia in newborns, but rather normal or expected findings. Crying indicates that the newborn has a patent airway and adequate lung expansion. Respirations of greater than 60 breaths per minute may be normal for a newborn in transition or due to transient tachypnea, which usually resolves within a few hours.

Choice D Reason: Blue hands and feet but lips that are slowly pinking up. These are not signs of hypoxia or asphyxia in newborns, but rather a common condition called acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis means bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to poor peripheral circulation in response to cold exposure or stress. It does not aﬀect oxygenation or ventilation and usually disappears within 24 to 48 hours after birth.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Apical pulse of 148 beats per minute. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal apical pulse for a newborn ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. A high pulse rate may indicate fever, infection, anemia, or dehydration. A low pulse rate may indicate hypothermia, hypoxia, or heart block.

Choice B Reason: Respiratory rate of 40 during sleep. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute. A high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress, infection, or metabolic acidosis. A low respiratory rate may indicate respiratory depression, hypothermia, or narcotic exposure.

Choice C Reason: Skin color jaundiced. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a diﬀerent condition called jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin that is normally excreted by the liver and kidneys. Jaundice can occur in newborns due to immature liver function, increased red blood cell breakdown, or blood group incompatibility. Jaundice does not aﬀect lung function or oxygenation.

Choice D Reason: Chest retractions. This is because chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress that indicate increased work of breathing and reduced lung compliance. Chest retractions occur when the chest wall sinks in between the ribs or below the sternum during inhalation, creating a negative pressure that helps draw air into the lungs. RDS is a serious condition where the newborn's lungs are immature and lack sufficient surfactant, which is a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse. RDS can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, acidosis, and organ failure. It is more common in preterm infants, especially those born before 37 weeks' gestation.

A. Inspecting the placenta after delivery for intactness. B. Manually removing the placenta at delivery. C. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics prophylactically. D. Applying traction on the umbilical cord to speed up separation of the placenta.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Inspecting the placenta after delivery for intactness. This is because inspecting the placenta after delivery for intactness is a nursing intervention that can prevent late postpartum hemorrhage, which is excessive bleeding from the uterus or genital tract that occurs more than 24 hours but less than 12 weeks after delivery. Late postpartum hemorrhage can be caused by retained placental fragments, subinvolution of the uterus, infection, or coagulation disorders. Inspecting the placenta after delivery for intactness can help identify and remove any retained placental fragments that may interfere with uterine contraction and involution, which are essential for hemostasis.

Choice B Reason: Manually removing the placenta at delivery. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an inappropriate and risky intervention that can cause late postpartum hemorrhage. Manually removing the placenta at delivery is a procedure that involves inserting a hand into the uterus and detaching the placenta from the uterine wall. Manually removing the placenta at delivery is indicated only for a retained or adherent placenta that does not separate spontaneously or with gentle traction within 30 minutes after delivery. Manually removing the placenta at delivery can cause trauma, infection, or incomplete removal of the placenta, which can increase the risk of late postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice C Reason: Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics prophylactically. This is an incorrect answer that suggests an unnecessary and ineﬀective intervention that can prevent late postpartum hemorrhage. Administering broad- spectrum antibiotics prophylactically is a pharmacological intervention that involves giving antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics prophylactically is indicated for women with risk factors or signs of infection during or after delivery, such as prolonged rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, fever, or foul- smelling lochia. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics prophylactically may reduce the risk of infection-related late postpartum hemorrhage, but it does not address other causes of late postpartum hemorrhage such as retained placental fragments or subinvolution of the uterus.

Choice D Reason: Applying traction on the umbilical cord to speed up separation of the placenta. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a diﬀerent intervention that can prevent early postpartum hemorrhage, not late postpartum hemorrhage. Applying traction on the umbilical cord to speed up separation of the placenta is a technique that involves pulling on the umbilical cord while applying counter pressure on the uterus to facilitate placental expulsion. Applying traction on the umbilical cord to speed up separation of the placenta is indicated for active management of the third stage of labor, which can prevent early postpartum hemorrhage, which is excessive bleeding from the uterus or genital tract that occurs within 24 hours after delivery. Early postpartum hemorrhage can be caused by uterine atony, retained placenta, lacerations, or coagulation disorders.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse explains to new parents that their newborn has developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which of the following assessments that the nurse makes would support a diagnosis of RDS? Select one:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which of the following would be essential to implement to prevent late postpartum hemorrhage? Select one:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan of care for a newborn receiving phototherapy? Select one:

A woman is being treated for preterm labor with magnesium sulfate. Which finding by the nurse indicates magnesium sulfate toxicity? Select one:

A couple who has had difficulty conceiving confides in the nurse at the infertility clinic that they feel overwhelmed with the decisions that face them. Which of the following nursing strategies would be most appropriate and therapeutic? Select one:

The nurse's initial action when caring for an otherwise stable, full term infant with a slightly decreased temperature is to: Select one:

The Mother-Baby nurse is caring for a two hour old newborn who is 36 4/7 weeks gestation. The nurse assesses that the newborn is experiencing tremors (jiteriness). What nursing action has the highest priority? Select one:

A client who is breastfeeding her newborn tells the nurse, "I notice that when I feed him, I feel fairly strong contraction-like pain. Labor is over. Why am I having contractions now?" Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? Select one:

Narcotic analgesia is administered to a laboring client at 10:00 a.m. The infant is delivered at 10:35 A.M. The nurse would anticipate that the narcotic analgesia could: Select one: