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

Choice A reason:

Heel to ear is a test that measures the flexibility of the newborn's hip and knee joints. The nurse should gently flex the newborn's hip and knee and bring the foot toward the ear on the same side. The closer the foot is to the ear, the higher the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.

Choice B reason:

Popliteal angle is a test that measures the angle of flexion at the knee joint. The nurse should flex the newborn's hip and knee at 90 degrees and then extend the lower leg until resistance is felt. The smaller the angle, the higher the score. This test is also part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.

Choice C reason:

Moro reflex is a test that evaluates the newborn's startle response. The nurse should hold the newborn in a semi-sitting position and then allow the head to fall back slightly. The newborn should extend and abduct the arms and legs, then flex and adduct them. This test is not part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age, but rather a reflex assessment for neurological function. •

Choice D reason:

Scarf sign is a test that measures the flexibility of the newborn's shoulder and elbow joints. The nurse should draw one of the newborn's arms across the chest toward the opposite shoulder. The farther the elbow can be moved across the body, the lower the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.

Choice E reason:

Arm recoil is a test that measures the degree of flexion at the elbow joint. The nurse should extend both of the newborn's arms for 5 seconds and then release them. The arms should return to a flexed position quickly and fully. The faster and more complete the recoil, the higher the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.

Choice A:

Temperature. The newborn's temperature is within the normal range of 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F) for axillary measurement. Therefore, this finding does not need to be reported to the provider.

Choice B:

Respiratory findings. The newborn's respiratory rate is above the normal range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute. The newborn also has a low oxygen saturation of 96%, which indicates possible respiratory distress. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.

Choice C:

Serum glucose. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's serum glucose level, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.

Choice D:

Hematocrit. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's hematocrit level, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.

Choice E:

White blood cell count. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's white blood cell count, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.

Choice F:

Hemoglobin. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's hemoglobin level, but it is known that newborns have higher hemoglobin levels than adults due to fetal hemoglobin. A high hemoglobin level can increase the risk of polycythemia, which can cause hyperviscosity, hypoxia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.

Choice G:

Heart rate. The newborn's heart rate is above the normal range of 110 to 160 beats per minute. A high heart rate can indicate tachycardia, which can be caused by various factors such as fever, dehydration, anemia, infection, or congenital heart defects. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.