The nurse is caring for a newborn born at 31 weeks' gestation. Which assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?
Sole creases on heels
Ruddy skin color
Flexion of all four (4) extremities
Scant amount of vernix caseosa
The Correct Answer is D
A. Sole creases on heels. Sole creases are a sign of maturity and are usually present in full-term infants, not preterm.
B. Ruddy skin color. This is more common in infants with polycythemia or those who are small for gestational age, not specifically linked to prematurity.
C. Flexion of all four extremities. Premature infants typically have less muscle tone and may exhibit less flexion, often appearing more limp or having extended extremities.
D. Scant amount of vernix caseosa. Premature infants typically have more vernix caseosa, which protects their delicate skin in utero. The amount decreases closer to full term, but at 31 weeks, there may still be a moderate amount.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypoplastic heart syndrome: Characterized by underdevelopment of the left side of the heart, not mixing of blood.
B. Atrioventricular canal defect: An atrioventricular canal defect allows oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix due to the presence of a common atrioventricular valve and defects in the atrial and ventricular septa. This defect results in a mixture of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, which can cause varying levels of oxygenation in the blood delivered to the body.
C. Tetralogy of Fallot: Involves a ventricular septal defect leading to right-to-left shunting, but not a direct mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
D. Coarctation of the aorta: Involves narrowing of the aorta, not mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The newborn who has cyanotic hands and feetCyanosis, a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, in the hands and feet of a newborn can indicate a breathing problem or poor circulation. This requires prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.
B. The newborn whose head turns toward the cheek being stroked. This describes the rooting reflex, which is normal.
C. The newborn whose toes curl when the lateral heel is stroked. This describes the Babinski reflex, which is also normal for infants.
D. The newborn who extends the arms when hearing a loud noise. This describes the Moro reflex, which is normal and should not require reporting.
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.
