Shortly after delivery, a symptom of respiratory distress in the newborn that should be reported is:

Mucus draining from the nose

Cyanosis of the hands and feet

Irregular heart rate

Sternal or chest retractions

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Sternal or chest retractions. This is because sternal or chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, which means they are having difficulty breathing. Chest retractions occur when the baby's chest pulls in with each breath, indicating that they are using extra muscles to breathe. This can be caused by various conditions that affect the lungs, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.

Choice A is not correct because mucus draining from the nose is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have some mucus in their nose and mouth after birth, which can be cleared by suctioning or wiping.

Mucus drainage does not interfere with breathing unless it is excessive or thick.

Choice B is not correct because cyanosis of the hands and feet is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have bluish discoloration of their hands and feet, called acrocyanosis, for the first few days after birth. This is due to immature circulation and does not indicate a lack of oxygen. Cyanosis of the central parts of the body, such as the face, lips, and tongue, is more concerning and should be reported.

Choice C is not correct because irregular heart rate is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have some variations in their heart rate, especially during sleep cycles. The normal heart rate range for newborns is 100 to 160 beats per minute. A heart rate that is too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) may indicate a problem with the heart or other organs³.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This can be from the sudden withdrawal of your hormones. It is not a cause for alarm. This is because newborn female babies may have a little bloody vaginal discharge in their diapers due to the withdrawal of maternal hormones after delivery. This usually stops as the hormones return to normal levels. The nurse should reassure the mother that this is a normal and harmless phenomenon and does not require any treatment.

Choice A is wrong because the blood is not related to cleaning her perineal area. The nurse should not blame the mother for being careless.

Choice B is wrong because the baby does not need an appointment for this condition. The nurse should not alarm the mother unnecessarily.

Choice C is wrong because the mother does not need to watch her baby for this condition. The nurse should not leave the mother in doubt or anxiety.

A. Request the provider perform a vaginal examination. B. Check the client's fundus. C. Measure the client's vital signs. D. Feel for a full bladder.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Check the client's fundus. Lochia rubra is the normal vaginal bleeding and discharge that occurs after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually bright red and may have some clots, but these clots should not be big or difficult to pass. If the client has a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots, it may indicate that the uterus is not contracting well and needs to be massaged to expel any retained tissue or blood. Checking the client's fundus is the first action the nurse should take to assess the uterine tone and location.

Choice A is incorrect because requesting the provider perform a vaginal examination is not the first action the nurse should take. A vaginal examination may be necessary if the fundal massage does not reduce the bleeding or if there is a suspicion of lacerations or hematoma, but it is not a priority intervention.

Choice C is incorrect because measuring the client's vital signs is not the first action the nurse should take. Vital signs can help monitor the client's hemodynamic status and identify signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and pallor, but they are not as important as checking the fundus in this situation.

Choice D is incorrect because feeling for a full bladder is not the first action the nurse should take. A full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, leading to increased bleeding. However, it is not as likely as uterine atony to cause a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots.

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Shortly after delivery, a symptom of respiratory distress in the newborn that should be reported is:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A new mother of a newborn girl calls the clinic in a panic, concerned about the blood-tinged soiled diaper. What is the best response from the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a postpartum client and finds a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots on the client's perineal pad. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who delivered 2 hours ago. The client has moderate lochia rubra, temperature within normal limits, breasts soft, fundus firm, slightly deviated to the right, pulse rate 88/min, respiratory rate 18/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Which finding would alert the nurse to suspect that a newborn is experiencing respiratory distress?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hr postpartum. The nurse finds a small amount of lochia rubra on the client's perineal pad. The fundus is midline and firm at the umbilicus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The nurse assesses a postpartum woman's perineum and notices that her lochial discharge is moderate in amount and red. The nurse would record this as what type of lochia?

The 1-day postpartum patient shows a temperature elevation, cough, and slight shortness of breath on exertion. Based on these symptoms, the nurse should:

The nurse is teaching a prenatal class and illustrating some of the basic events that will happen right after the birth. The nurse should point out which action will best help the infant maintain an adequate body temperature.

The nurse is caring for a new mother and newborn in a rooming-in unit and watches the mother put the infant in the bed, lying on her side, propped up with a pillow. The nurse should point out that this position can increase the risk of which situation?

What is the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery?