The nurse receives a newborn within the first minutes after a vaginal delivery and intervenes to establish adequate respirations.
Which priority issue should the nurse address to ensure the newborn's survival?

Choice A rationale

Diaphragmatic respirations are a normal breathing pattern and do not indicate respiratory distress. In fact, diaphragmatic breathing can be beneficial for patients with respiratory conditions as it helps to maximize lung expansion and improve oxygenation. Therefore, this finding is not indicative of acute respiratory distress in a child with asthma.

Choice B rationale

Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are usually heard over the large airways, such as the trachea and the main bronchi, and are not typically associated with acute respiratory distress. Wheezing or diminished breath sounds would be more indicative of airway obstruction and respiratory distress in a child with asthma.

Choice C rationale

Flaring of the nares is a sign of increased respiratory effort and is commonly seen in children with acute respiratory distress. This indicates that the child is struggling to breathe and is using additional muscles to help with respiration, which is a concerning sign that requires immediate attention.

Choice D rationale

A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute is elevated for a 3-year-old child but is not the most specific sign of acute respiratory distress. While tachypnea can indicate respiratory distress, other signs, such as nasal flaring, retractions, and cyanosis, are more specific indicators of the severity of the child's condition. .

Choice A rationale

While encouraging quiet activities like watching television can provide some distraction and temporary relief, it does not address the underlying need for consistent pain management in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Distraction techniques should be used as an adjunct to proper pain medication rather than a replacement for it. This condition can cause chronic pain, which may negatively impact the child's quality of life if not managed appropriately.

Choice B rationale

Resting when experiencing pain is a common recommendation, but for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, it's essential to balance rest with physical activity to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. Only encouraging rest can lead to muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, which can exacerbate the condition in the long term. Regular pain management can help the child stay more active.

Choice C rationale

Hot baths can help to some extent by relaxing muscles and reducing stiffness, but they are not sufficient as a sole method for managing pain in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The condition often requires consistent medication to control inflammation and pain. Non-pharmacological methods like hot baths should be used in conjunction with prescribed medication rather than as an alternative.

Choice D rationale

Giving pain medication around the clock helps control the pain effectively by maintaining a steady level of medication in the body, preventing breakthrough pain. Consistent pain management allows the child to participate in daily activities and physical therapy, which is essential for maintaining joint function and overall quality of life.