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
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypertonia is not a characteristic of a preterm infant, but rather of a post-term infant. Hypertonia means increased muscle tone or stiffness, which is more common in infants who are overdue. Preterm infants have poor muscle tone and less subcutaneous fat.
Choice B reason:
Long toenails are also not a characteristic of a preterm infant but of a post-term infant. Long toenails indicate that the infant has grown beyond the expected gestational age. Preterm infants have short and brittle nails.
Choice C reason:
Lanugo is a characteristic of a preterm infant. Lanugo is fine, downy hair that covers the body of the fetus. It usually disappears by the 36th week of gestation, but preterm infants may still have it at birth.
Choice D reason:
Dry skin is not a characteristic of a preterm infant but of a post-term infant. Dry skin indicates that the infant has lost moisture and subcutaneous fat due to prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid. Preterm infants have thin and transparent skin that may be covered by vernix caseosa, a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin from the amniotic fluid.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placental insufficiency is a condition in which the placenta does not deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, resulting in restricted growth and development. This is one of the most common causes of SGA babies.
Choice B reason:
Primipara means a woman who is pregnant for the first time or who has given birth to one child. Primipara is not a cause of SGA, although some studies have suggested that first-time mothers may have a slightly higher risk of having a low-birth-weight baby than multiparous women.
Choice C reason:
Maternal obesity is a condition in which the mother has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher before or during pregnancy. Maternal obesity is not a cause of SGA, but rather a risk factor for having a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) baby, which can lead to complications such as macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and birth trauma.
Choice D reason:
Perinatal asphyxia is a condition in which the baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth, causing hypoxia and acidosis. Perinatal asphyxia is not a cause of SGA, but rather a possible complication of SGA, especially if the placental insufficiency is severe or prolonged. Perinatal asphyxia can damage the brain and other organs of the baby and lead to long-term neurological impairments.
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