The nurse notes that a newborn's white blood cell count (WBC) is 15,000. The nurse is aware that:.

This indicates a severe infection.

This is a normal WBC for a newborn.

This is a lab error.

You must call the doctor.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

A white blood cell count of 15,000 does not necessarily indicate a severe infection. In newborns, WBC counts are typically higher than in adults, and they gradually decrease over the first few days after birth. A value of 15,000 falls within the normal range for a newborn and is not indicative of a severe infection.

Choice B rationale:

A white blood cell count of 15,000 is considered a normal range for a newborn. Newborns have higher WBC counts as a natural response to the stress of birth and exposure to the outside environment. The immune system is still developing, and elevated WBC counts are normal during this period.

Choice C rationale:

Assuming there are no other indications of lab error, such as abnormal results in other tests, it would be premature to label the WBC count as a lab error. Additionally, healthcare professionals should always consider the overall clinical picture before assuming a lab error based on a single result.

Choice D rationale:

There is no immediate need to call the doctor based solely on the WBC count of 15,000. Medical decisions should be made in the context of the newborn's overall clinical condition, and a single lab result does not warrant an immediate call to the doctor.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This is the priority finding because a bilirubin level of 18 mg/dL in a 4-hour-old newborn is significantly elevated. High bilirubin levels in newborns can lead to jaundice, which can be harmful if not promptly addressed. Hyperbilirubinemia in newborns requires close monitoring and, in some cases, treatment with phototherapy.

Choice B rationale:

A hemoglobin level of 22 g/dL is within the normal range for a newborn and is not a priority concern at this time.

Choice C rationale:

A blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL is within the normal range for a newborn. While monitoring blood glucose levels is essential, it is not the priority in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

A platelet count of 200,000/mm³ is within the normal range for a newborn and does not require immediate action.

A. A blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old. B. A hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old. C. Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old. D. Acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old: A blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL is borderline low but expected in the immediate postnatal period, especially if the infant is asymptomatic. Feeding the infant is the first step to address this, and monitoring is usually sufficient unless symptoms of hypoglycemia develop.

B. A hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old: This value is at the upper end of normal for a newborn and may suggest mild polycythemia. However, it does not require urgent notification unless accompanied by symptoms such as respiratory distress or poor perfusion

C. Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old: Early-onset jaundice (within the first 24 hours) is not normal and suggests a potentially dangerous underlying condition, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn or infection. Immediate reporting and further evaluation, including bilirubin levels and possible treatment with phototherapy, are essential.

D. Acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old: Acrocyanosis (bluish discoloration of the hands and feet) is a common and benign finding in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth due to immature circulation. It does not require notification or intervention.

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The nurse notes that a newborn's white blood cell count (WBC) is 15,000. The nurse is aware that:.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a newborn that is 4 hr old. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for several newborn clients. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the charge nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a newborn who is formula-fed. The newborn takes 0.5 oz of formula at 0800, 1 oz at 1100, 0.5 oz at 1300, 0.5 oz at 1600, and 0.5 oz at 1830. How many mL of formula should the nurse record as the client's intake for the shift?

A nurse is collecting data from a newborn and notes a swollen area on the head that does not cross the suture line. The nurse should document this finding as which of the following?

A nurse is preparing to examine a post-term newborn immediately following delivery. Which of the following findings should she expect to observe? (Select all that apply.).

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A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about circumcision care with the parent of a newborn who had a circumcision using the Plastibell device. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.).

Exhibit 1. A nurse understands which of the following assessment findings as a priority to indicate that a newborn may be experiencing cold stress and burning brown fat to produce heat? (Select all that apply.).

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