The nurse assesses a 1-day-old newborn. Which finding indicates that the newborn's oxygenation needs are not being met?
Select one:
Grunting and nasal flaring.
Acrocyanosis.
Abdominal breathing.
Respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: Grunting and nasal flaring. These are signs of respiratory distress in newborns, which indicate that their oxygenation needs are not being met. Grunting and nasal flaring. This is because grunting and nasal flaring are signs of respiratory distress in newborns, which indicate inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Grunting is a noise made by the newborn when exhaling, which reflects an atempt to keep the alveoli open and increase lung volume.
Nasal flaring is a widening of the nostrils when inhaling, which reflects an effort to reduce airway resistance and increase airflow.
Choice B Reason: Acrocyanosis. This is not a sign of respiratory distress 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.
Choice C Reason: Abdominal breathing. This is not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, but rather a normal patern of breathing for them. Abdominal breathing means that the newborn's abdomen rises and falls with each breath, which reflects the use of the diaphragm as the primary respiratory muscle.
Choice D Reason: Respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute. This is not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, but rather a normal range of respiratory rate for them. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Vitamin K will increase erythropoiesis. This is an incorrect statement that confuses vitamin K with erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Vitamin K does not affect erythropoiesis.
Choice B Reason: Vitamin K will enhance bilirubin breakdown. This is an incorrect statement that confuses vitamin K with phototherapy. Phototherapy is a treatment that exposes the newborn's skin to light, which converts bilirubin into water-soluble forms that can be excreted by the liver and kidneys. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that results from the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice and brain damage in newborns. Vitamin K does not affect bilirubin metabolism.
Choice C Reason: Vitamin K will stop Rh sensitization. This is an incorrect statement that confuses vitamin K with Rh immune globulin. Rh immune globulin is an injection given to Rh-negative mothers who deliver Rh-positive babies, to prevent them from developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells in future pregnancies. Rh sensitization is a condition where the mother's immune system atacks the baby's blood cells, causing hemolytic disease of the newborn. Vitamin K does not affect Rh sensitization.
Choice D Reason: Vitamin K will promote blood clotting ability. This is a correct statement that explains the rationale for administering vitamin K as prophylaxis to newborns. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. Newborns have low levels of vitamin K at birth due to poor placental transfer and lack of intestinal bacteria that produce vitamin K. Therefore, they are at risk of bleeding disorders such as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "You would have seen more symptoms if you had been looking more closely at your baby." This is an inappropriate response that blames the parents for missing the signs of sepsis and does not explain the Reason for the subtle symptoms.
Choice B Reason: "A newborn's immune system isn't mature, so symptoms are subtle and can be hard to recognize." This is an appropriate response that educates the parents about the immunological basis of sepsis in newborns and reassures them that they are not at fault for not noticing the symptoms.
Choice C Reason: "A high fever will always be present in sick newborns, including your baby." This is an incorrect response that contradicts the fact that newborns may not develop fever in response to infection due to their immature immune systems.
Choice D Reason: "A mother's immunity usually protects the infant from illness, but not in this case." This is an inaccurate response that implies that the mother failed to provide adequate immunity to her baby and does not address the question of why the baby did not seem very ill.
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