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 C
Explanation
The Finnegan score is a tool used to assess and monitor newborns for withdrawal symptoms related to maternal substance use during pregnancy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Epidural blocks are commonly used during labor to provide pain relief. However, they can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, known as epidural-induced hypotension, which can affect fetal oxygenation and fetal heart rate. Therefore, it is important to monitor maternal blood pressure frequently after an epidural block is administered.
While monitoring the maternal pulse is also important, hypotension is the most common complication of epidural anesthesia and can lead to decreased blood flow to the fetus. Therefore, monitoring maternal blood pressure is the priority.
Monitoring the fetus is also important, but it is not the most important intervention after an epidural block. Limiting parenteral fluids may be necessary in some cases to help prevent or treat hypotension, but it is not always necessary and should be done based on the individual situation.
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