The nurse completes the initial assessment of a newborn. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the newborn is experiencing difficulty with oxygenation?
Acrocyanosis.
Respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute.
Nasal flaring.
Abdominal breathing.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Acrocyanosis (choice A) is a common and relatively normal finding in newborns, especially in the first few days of life. It refers to the bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to peripheral vasoconstriction. Acrocyanosis alone does not necessarily indicate significant difficulty with oxygenation and is usually a transient and benign condition.
Choice B reason:
A respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute (choice B) is within the normal range for a newborn. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn can range from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. While an abnormal respiratory rate outside this range may be a concern, a rate of 54 breaths/minute is not indicative of significant oxygenation difficulty by itself.
Choice C reason:
Nasal flaring in a newborn is a concerning sign that suggests the baby is experiencing difficulty with oxygenation. When a newborn is having trouble getting enough oxygen, they may instinctively open their nostrils wider (nasal flaring) to increase the airflow into the nose and improve oxygen intake. This is a compensatory mechanism to overcome respiratory distress and is often seen in newborns with respiratory problems. Nasal flaring is an important clinical sign that indicates the baby may be struggling to breathe adequately and requires further evaluation and intervention by the healthcare team.
Choice D reason:
Abdominal breathing (choice D) is a normal breathing pattern in newborns. Newborns predominantly use their diaphragm to breathe, which results in abdominal movements during respiration. This is a normal and expected finding in healthy newborns and does not necessarily suggest oxygenation problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing a covering on the scale tray when weighing an infant helps to ensure that conductive heat loss from the infant is minimal. Newborns and infants are especially vulnerable to temperature changes, and maintaining their body temperature is crucial for their well-being. By placing a covering, such as a soft cloth or blanket, on the scale tray, the nurse creates a barrier between the infant's skin and the cold surface of the scale. This reduces the risk of heat loss from direct contact with the scale, helping to keep the baby comfortable and preventing any potential adverse effects from exposure to low temperatures during the weighing process.
Choice B reason:
Choice B, compensating for the negative weight balance to ensure the correct weight, is not the primary reason for using a covering on the scale tray. The negative weight balance, if any, would be minimal and not significant enough to affect the accuracy of the infant's weight measurement. The main concern when using a scale for weighing infants is to ensure their comfort and safety during the process.
Choice C reason:
Choice C, avoiding causing multiple startle (Moro) reflexes when weighing, is not the main reason for using a covering on the scale tray. The Moro reflex is a normal startle response in infants and is not typically affected by whether or not a covering is placed on the scale tray.
The nurse can support the infant appropriately during weighing to minimize any startle reflexes, regardless of whether a covering is used.
Choice D reason:
Choice D, avoiding contaminating the nurse's hands with blood or other body substances, is not directly related to using a covering on the scale tray. The primary purpose of using a covering is to minimize heat loss, as explained in Choice A. However, it is standard practice for healthcare professionals to wear gloves when handling blood or body substances to prevent any potential transmission of infections, ensuring both the nurse's and the infant's safety.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While positioning is important for comfort during labor, addressing the immediate urge to push takes priority. Panting during contractions is the appropriate action.
Choice B reason:
Although observing for crowning is important when the client is close to delivery, the nurse should first intervene to address the client's urge to push since the client is only 7 cm dilated.
Choice C reason:
When a laboring client feels the urge to push but is not yet fully dilated (10 cm), encouraging her to pant can help reduce the urge to push and avoid complications, such as cervical swelling or tearing. This breathing technique helps the client delay pushing until full dilation and readiness of the cervix.
Choice D reason:
Assisting the client to the bathroom would not be appropriate at this stage of labor because the urge to push could lead to unsafe delivery outside the appropriate setting, and movement could increase discomfort or risks.
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