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 A
Explanation
Encourage voiding:A boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus often indicates that the bladder may be distended, which can push the uterus out of its normal position and prevent it from contracting properly. Encouraging the client to void can help to reduce bladder distension and allow the uterus to return to its normal position and firm up.
Notify healthcare provider:While this may ultimately be necessary if the problem persists or other complications are noted, the immediate action should be to address the most common cause of uterine displacement, which is bladder distension.
Inspect the perineal pad:
Checking the perineal pad can give clues about the amount of lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge). However, in this scenario, the priority lies in addressing the potential uterine atony.
Monitor vital signs:
While it's important to monitor vital signs, especially in postpartum clients, the priority here is recognizing and managing the potential uterine atony.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output: This is a reasonable intervention because magnesium sulfate can affect renal function, and monitoring urinary output is essential. However, there's a more critical intervention to consider first.
B. Have calcium gluconate immediately available: This is the highest priority. Magnesium sulfate toxicity can lead to neuromuscular blockade, and calcium gluconate is the antidote. Having it readily available is crucial in case signs of magnesium toxicity (such as loss of deep tendon reflexes) appear.
C. Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting: While maintaining a calm environment is generally important for clients on magnesium sulfate, it is not the highest priority in this situation.
D. Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) every 4 hours: This is an important part of monitoring for magnesium sulfate toxicity. However, the immediate availability of calcium gluconate is the highest priority in case toxicity occurs.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.