The nurse is assessing a 38-week gestation newborn infant immediately following a vaginal birth. Which assessment finding best indicates that the infant is transitioning well to extrauterine life?
Cries vigorously when stimulated
A positive Babinski reflex
Heart rate of 220 beats/minute
Flexion of all four extremities
The Correct Answer is A
A. Cries vigorously when stimulated:
Explanation: Vigorous crying is a positive sign in a newborn. It indicates that the baby is responsive, breathing effectively, and is capable of establishing the necessary air exchange.
B. A positive Babinski reflex:
Explanation: The Babinski reflex is a normal reflex in infants where the toes spread out when the sole of the foot is stimulated. While it is a normal reflex in newborns, it might not necessarily indicate the immediate transition to extrauterine life.
C. Heart rate of 220 beats/minute:
Explanation: A heart rate of 220 beats per minute in a newborn is higher than the normal range. It could be a sign of tachycardia, and this finding might require further evaluation by healthcare providers.
D. Flexion of all four extremities:
Explanation: Flexion of extremities is a normal response in a newborn, but it might not specifically indicate successful transition. It's a common response seen in healthy newborns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Document the findings in the record: Documenting the findings is important, but it doesn't address the potential issue of hypoglycemia.
B. Obtain a heel stick blood glucose level: This is the most appropriate action given the signs presented. A low blood glucose level can be a critical issue in newborns and requires prompt evaluation and management.
C. Place a pulse oximeter on the heel: While oxygen saturation monitoring is valuable in certain situations, it may not be the priority in this case where hypoglycemia is suspected.
D. Swaddle the infant in a warm blanket: While maintaining warmth is important, especially if the baby is hypothermic, addressing the potential hypoglycemia takes precedence.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Request a return demonstration of a diaper change:While it's useful for parents to know how to change a diaper, feeding is more critical for the infant’s health and development in the early days.
B. Evaluate infant feeding techniques prior to discharge:Ensuring that the parents understand how to properly feed their newborn is crucial. Proper feeding techniques are essential for the infant's nutrition, growth, and development. Issues with feeding can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and other health problems. Therefore, this is the most important intervention.
C. Provide the results of the infant's hearing test to the parents:Sharing the results of the hearing test is important, but it is less immediate compared to ensuring that the infant is properly fed.
D. Ensure that they have the pediatric clinic's phone number:
While it is important for parents to have contact information for follow-up care, it is secondary to ensuring they can feed their baby properly.
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