What is a sign that a newborn may be at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome?

Asymmetrical breathing

Born before 38 weeks gestation

Yellow-green staining on the umbilical cord

Acrocyanosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

Asymmetrical breathing is not a sign of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). It is a sign of diaphragmatic hernia, a condition where the abdominal organs push into the chest cavity and interfere with lung development.

Choice B reason:

Born before 38 weeks gestation is not a sign of MAS. It is a risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a condition where the lungs are not fully developed and lack surfactant, a substance that helps keep the air sacs open.

Choice C reason:

Yellow-green staining on the umbilical cord is a sign of MAS. It indicates that the baby has passed meconium into the amniotic fluid before or during birth and may have inhaled it into the lungs. Meconium is a sticky substance that becomes the baby's first poop. It can block or irritate the airways, damage lung tissue and prevent oxygen exchange.

Choice D reason:

Acrocyanosis is not a sign of MAS. It is a normal finding in newborns where the hands and feet appear bluish due to immature circulation. It usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours after birth.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Transferring the newborn to the NICU is not the best action to take next, because it does not address the immediate problem of low blood sugar. The newborn may need to be transferred to the NICU later, depending on the cause and severity of the hypoglycemia, but the first priority is to raise the blood glucose level.

Choice B reason:

Calling the lab for a STAT blood glucose level is not the best action to take next, because it will delay the treatment of hypoglycemia. The glucometer reading is a reliable indicator of low blood sugar, and waiting for a lab confirmation will waste valuable time. The nurse should act on the glucometer reading and initiate treatment as soon as possible.

Choice C reason:

Initiating breastfeeding is the best action to take next, because it will provide the newborn with a source of glucose that can raise the blood sugar level quickly. Breastfeeding also has other benefits for the newborn, such as promoting bonding, providing antibodies, and reducing the risk of infection. Breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour of life for all newborns, unless contraindicated.

Choice D reason:

Recognizing this as a normal reading and documenting it is not the best action to take next, because it is not a normal reading for a 2 hour old newborn. The normal range of blood glucose for a newborn is 40 to 150 mg/dL. A reading of 32 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which can have serious consequences for the newborn's brain development and function. Hypoglycemia should be treated promptly and documented accordingly.

A. Tremors B. Lethargy C. Hunger D. Jaundice E. Weak cry

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

Choice A:

Tremors. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can cause shakiness or jitteriness in the muscles. •

Choice B:

Lethargy. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can cause low energy, poor feeding, or lack of interest in eating.

Choice C:

Hunger. This is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can actually reduce the appetite or cause feeding difficulties.

Choice D:

Jaundice. This is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, not low levels of glucose.

Choice E:

Weak cry. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can affect the vocal cords and the respiratory system, causing a weak or high-pitched cry.

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What is a sign that a newborn may be at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse checks the blood sugar of a 2 hour old newborn, and the glucometer reading is 32 mg/dl. Which action should the nurse take next?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

What are signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

The names of the newborn reflexes are? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.)

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