The nursery nurse attends the delivery of a post-term infant. Upon initial assessment, the infant is lethargic, has coarse breath sounds and blood gases indicate acidosis. An X-ray shows a honeycomb appearance. These signs are consistent with which complication of the newborn?
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Transient tachypnea of the Newborn
The Correct Answer is A
The signs described are consistent with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). Meconium aspiration occurs when the fetus has a bowel movement before or during delivery and inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid into the lungs. This can lead to airway obstruction, chemical pneumonia, and respiratory distress, which may progress to respiratory failure, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and death. The presence of coarse breath sounds, acidosis, and the honeycomb appearance on X-ray are all signs of MAS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Caput succedaneum is a common condition in newborns that causes swelling of the soft tissues of the scalp. It is usually caused by pressure on the baby's head during delivery and can be seen in both vaginal and instrumental births, such as vacuum-assisted deliveries. It generally crosses the suture lines, unlike a cephalohematoma.
Caput succedaneum is not a serious condition and generally resolves on its own within a few days without any treatment. However, the nurse should continue to monitor the newborn for signs of jaundice, which can occur due to the breakdown of red blood cells in the swelling.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The signs described are consistent with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). Meconium aspiration occurs when the fetus has a bowel movement before or during delivery and inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid into the lungs. This can lead to airway obstruction, chemical pneumonia, and respiratory distress, which may progress to respiratory failure, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and death. The presence of coarse breath sounds, acidosis, and the honeycomb appearance on X-ray are all signs of MAS.
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