The nurse is performing a newborn assessment. Which symptom, if present in a newborn, would indicate respiratory distress?
Flaring of the nares
Shallow and irregular respirations
Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute
Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement
The Correct Answer is A
A. Flaring of the nares:
Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of respiratory distress in newborns. It indicates that the infant is working harder to breathe and is attempting to increase the size of the nostrils to get more air.
B. Shallow and irregular respirations:
Shallow and irregular respirations can be a sign of respiratory distress, but flaring of the nares is a more specific and immediate indication.
C. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute:
While a respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute might be within the normal range for a newborn, the overall clinical picture, including other signs of distress, should be considered.
D. Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement:
Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement is not a normal pattern for a newborn and could indicate respiratory distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Discuss options for intrauterine surgical correction of congenital defects:At this point, the AFP result is only an indicator, not a diagnosis. The client has not undergone sufficient diagnostic evaluation (such as ultrasound) to confirm any congenital defect that would warrant intrauterine surgery. Treatment options can only be discussed once a definitive diagnosis has been made.
B. Inform her that a repeat alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) should be evaluated:While a repeat AFP test could be done in some cases to rule out lab error or confirm the result, this is not typically the immediate next step. An ultrasound provides more definitive and comprehensive information than simply repeating the AFP test.
C. Reassure the client that the AFP results are likely to be a false reading:Providing false reassurance may lead to misunderstandings. While false positives can happen, it's crucial to follow up with further assessments to ensure the accuracy of the results.
D. Explain that a sonogram should be scheduled for definitive results:An elevated AFP level is a screening test, not a definitive diagnosis. A sonogram (ultrasound) is the next step to obtain more detailed information about the fetus. Ultrasound can help assess for neural tube defects, confirm gestational age, and check for other anomalies that could explain the elevated AFP levels. This provides the most accurate and non-invasive method for evaluating potential fetal abnormalities.
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