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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Possible Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). This is an unlikely condition for this newborn, as MAS occurs when fetal stool (meconium) enters into the lungs before or during birth, causing airway obstruction, inflammation, and infection. MAS usually affects term or post-term infants who experience fetal distress or hypoxia in utero.
Choice B Reason: Possible polycythemia. This is an unrelated condition for this newborn, as polycythemia refers to an abnormally high number of red blood cells in the blood, which can increase blood viscosity and impair circulation.
Polycythemia may occur in infants who have delayed cord clamping, intrauterine growth restriction, maternal diabetes, or high altitude exposure.
Choice C Reason: Possible Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN). This is a less serious condition than RDS, as TTN is a mild respiratory problem that results from delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid after birth. TTN causes rapid breathing, nasal flaring, grunting, and mild cyanosis. It usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours after birth.
Choice D Reason: Possible Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). This is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention and treatment, as RDS can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary hemorrhage, pneumothorax, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RDS causes respiratory distress, nasal flaring, retractions, grunting, and central cyanosis. It usually occurs within minutes to hours after birth.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Physiologic anemia due to maternal increased plasma volume. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different condition that affects hemoglobin levels, not blood pressure. Physiologic anemia is a condition where the maternal plasma volume increases more than the red blood cell mass during pregnancy, which dilutes the hemoglobin concentration and lowers the hematocrit value. Physiologic anemia does not cause significant symptoms or complications in pregnant women, as it is an adaptive mechanism that enhances oxygen delivery and prevents fluid overload.
Choice B Reason: Pressure of the gravid uterus on the maternal inferior vena cava and aorta. This is because this statement explains the cause of supine hypotensive syndrome, which is a condition where lying flat on the back causes compression of the major blood vessels by the gravid uterus, which reduces venous return and cardiac output, which lowers blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Supine hypotensive syndrome can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, pallor, or syncope in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester.
Choice C Reason: Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a different condition that affects respiratory function, not blood pressure. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm is a result of cephalic engagement or lightening, which occurs when the fetal head descends into the pelvis and occupies more space in the abdominal cavity. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm can cause symptoms such as dyspnea, heartburn, or rib pain in pregnant women.
Choice D Reason: A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy. This is an incorrect answer that describes a normal physiological change that occurs during pregnancy, not a cause of supine hypotensive syndrome. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy is due to increased production of plasma and red blood cells, which helps meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands of the fetus and placenta, and prepares the mother for blood loss during delivery. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy does not cause hypotension or dizziness in pregnant women.
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