The newborn diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU) will require long-term follow-up to assess for the development of:
Obesity
Diabetes insipidus
Respiratory distress
Cognitive impairment
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Obesity is not a common complication of phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that causes increased levels of phenylalanine (an amino acid) in the body. Obesity may be related to other endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome.
Choice B reason:
Diabetes insipidus is a condition that causes excessive thirst and urination due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or a problem with the kidneys' response to ADH. It is not caused by PKU, which affects the metabolism of phenylalanine.
Choice C reason:
Respiratory distress is not a typical symptom of PKU, although some newborns with PKU may have a musty odor in their breath, skin, or urine due to the buildup of phenylalanine.
Respiratory distress may be caused by other conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.
Choice D reason:
Cognitive impairment is the most serious complication of PKU if it is not diagnosed and treated early. High levels of phenylalanine can damage the brain and cause irreversible intellectual disability, neurological problems, and behavioral issues. Early intervention with a special diet that limits phenylalanine intake can prevent or reduce cognitive impairment in children with PKU.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypertonia is not a characteristic of a preterm infant, but rather of a post-term infant. Hypertonia means increased muscle tone or stiffness, which is more common in infants who are overdue. Preterm infants have poor muscle tone and less subcutaneous fat.
Choice B reason:
Long toenails are also not a characteristic of a preterm infant but of a post-term infant. Long toenails indicate that the infant has grown beyond the expected gestational age. Preterm infants have short and brittle nails.
Choice C reason:

Lanugo is a characteristic of a preterm infant. Lanugo is fine, downy hair that covers the body of the fetus. It usually disappears by the 36th week of gestation, but preterm infants may still have it at birth.
Choice D reason:
Dry skin is not a characteristic of a preterm infant but of a post-term infant. Dry skin indicates that the infant has lost moisture and subcutaneous fat due to prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid. Preterm infants have thin and transparent skin that may be covered by vernix caseosa, a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin from the amniotic fluid.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Sleepiness is not a symptom of withdrawal in newborns. Sleepiness may be caused by other factors such as hypoglycemia, hypothermia, or infection.
Choice B reason:
Constipation is not a symptom of withdrawal in newborns. Constipation may be caused by dehydration, formula intolerance, or lack of bowel stimulation.
Choice C reason:
Irritability is a symptom of withdrawal in newborns. Irritability may manifest as excessive crying, jitteriness, tremors, or increased muscle tone. Irritability is caused by the overstimulation of the central nervous system due to the absence of the drug that the newborn was exposed to in utero.
Choice D reason:
Absent or startle reflex is not a symptom of withdrawal in newborns. Absent or startle reflex may indicate neurological damage, hypoxia, or brachial plexus injury. The startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, is a normal response to sudden stimuli in newborns.
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