What is low birth weight classified as?
Weight is less than the 10th percentile (SGA)
Weight is greater than 90th percentile
Weight is between 10th and 90th percentile
Weight of 2500g or less at birth
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: This is incorrect because weight less than the 10th percentile (SGA) means that the infant is smaller than expected for the gestational age, but not necessarily low birth weight. SGA infants may have intrauterine growth restriction due to maternal, placental, or fetal factors, but they may also be constitutionally small. SGA infants are at risk for hypoglycemia, hypothermia, polycythemia, and perinatal asphyxia.
Choice B: This is incorrect because weight greater than the 90th percentile means that the infant is larger than expected for the gestational age, but not necessarily high birth weight. Infants with weight greater than the 90th percentile are called large for gestational age (LGA) or macrosomic. LGA infants may have maternal diabetes, genetic factors, or post-term pregnancy as causes, but they may also be constitutionally large. LGA infants are at risk for birth trauma, shoulder dystocia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory distress.
Choice C: This is incorrect because weight between the 10th and 90th percentile means that the infant is appropriate for the gestational age (AGA), but not necessarily normal birth weight. AGA infants have a weight that matches their gestational age and are considered healthy and well-nourished. However, some AGA infants may have low or high birth weight depending on their gestational age at birth.
Choice D: This is the correct answer because low birth weight (LBW) is defined as a weight of 2500g or less at birth, regardless of the gestational age. LBW infants may be preterm (born before 37 weeks of gestation), term (born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation), or post-term (born after 42 weeks of gestation). LBW infants are at risk for infection, bleeding, jaundice, and neurodevelopmental problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A) Calm, easy to comfort is incorrect because this is not a sign of intrauterine drug exposure, but rather a sign of normal or healthy newborn behavior. Newborns who are calm and easy to comfort are usually well-adjusted and have a good temperament. They respond positively to soothing techniques such as holding, rocking, or singing.
They do not show signs of distress or withdrawal, which are common in newborns who are exposed to drugs in utero. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice B) Tremors is correct because this is a sign of intrauterine drug exposure that can indicate neurological damage or withdrawal syndrome. Tremors are involuntary shaking or quivering movements of the body or limbs that occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain or nervous system. Newborns who are exposed to drugs such as opioids, cocaine, or alcohol in utero may develop tremors as a result of brain injury, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, or seizures. They may also experience tremors as a symptom of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which is a condition that occurs when the newborn stops receiving the drug from the mother and goes through withdrawal. NAS can cause various physical and behavioral problems in the newborn, such as irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fever, or seizures. Therefore, this response is clear and accurate.
Choice C) Persistent shrill cry is correct because this is a sign of intrauterine drug exposure that can indicate pain or discomfort in the newborn. Crying is a normal and natural way for newborns to communicate their needs and feelings. However, some newborns who are exposed to drugs such as opioids, cocaine, or alcohol in utero may cry more often, louder, or longer than usual. They may have a high-pitched or piercing cry that is difficult to soothe or stop. This may be due to various factors such as hunger, colic, infection, injury, or withdrawal. A persistent shrill cry can also affect the bonding and attachment between the newborn and the parents or caregivers. Therefore, this response is clear and accurate.
Choice D) Difficult to console is correct because this is a sign of intrauterine drug exposure that can indicate emotional or behavioral problems in the newborn. Newborns who are difficult to console are usually unhappy and restless. They do not respond well to soothing techniques such as holding, rocking, or singing. They may have trouble sleeping, feeding, or interacting with others. They may also show signs of agitation, anxiety, or depression. These problems may be caused by exposure to drugs such as opioids, cocaine, or alcohol in utero, which can affect the development and function of the brain and nervous system. They may also be influenced by the environment and relationship of the newborn with the parents or caregivers. Therefore, this response is clear and accurate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a) Check the baby's diaper is incorrect because this is not a priority action for a baby who is grunting in the neonatal nursery. Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress, which means that the baby is having difficulty breathing and is trying to keep air in the lungs by making a low-pitched sound with each expiration. Checking the baby's diaper may be part of routine care, but it does not address the underlying cause of the grunting or improve the baby's oxygenation. Therefore, this action should be done after assessing and treating the baby's respiratory status.
Choice b) Place a pacifier in the baby's mouth is incorrect because this is not an appropriate action for a baby who is grunting in the neonatal nursery. Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress, which means that the baby is having difficulty breathing and is trying to keep air in the lungs by making a low-pitched sound with each expiration. Placing a pacifier in the baby's mouth may interfere with the baby's breathing and worsen the grunting, as it can obstruct the airway, increase the work of breathing, or cause aspiration. Therefore, this action should be avoided or used with caution for babies who are grunting.
Choice c) Have the mother feed the baby is incorrect because this is not a safe action for a baby who is grunting in the neonatal nursery. Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress, which means that the baby is having difficulty breathing and is trying to keep air in the lungs by making a low-pitched sound with each expiration. Having the mother feed the baby may increase the risk of choking or aspiration, as the baby may not be able to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Therefore, this action should be delayed or modified until the baby's respiratory status improves.
Choice d) Assess the respiratory rate is correct because this is the most important action for a baby who is grunting in the neonatal nursery. Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress, which means that the baby is having difficulty breathing and is trying to keep air in the lungs by making a low-pitched sound with each expiration. Assessing the respiratory rate can help to determine the severity and cause of the respiratory distress, as well as guide further interventions such as oxygen therapy, suctioning, or medication. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 30 to 60 breaths per minute, and it may vary with sleep or activity. A respiratory rate above 60 breaths per minute or below 30 breaths per minute indicates abnormality and requires immediate attention. Therefore, this action should be done as soon as possible for babies who are grunting.
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