Which assessment findings may cause the nurse to suspect a brachial plexus injury?
The newborn has hypotonia
The newborn does not demonstrate the Moro reflex
The newborn cries continually
The newborn has tremors
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
The newborn has hypotonia. This is not a specific sign of brachial plexus injury, as hypotonia can have many other causes, such as genetic disorders, infections, or brain damage.
Hypotonia is a general term for low muscle tone or weakness, which can affect the whole body or specific parts.
Choice B reason:
The newborn does not demonstrate the Moro reflex. This is a sign of brachial plexus injury, especially if it affects only one arm. The Moro reflex is a startle response that causes the baby to throw out the arms and legs, then curl them in when startled. A brachial plexus injury can impair the nerve function in the shoulder, arm, or hand, leading to decreased movement or sensation in the upper extremity. If the baby does not show the Moro reflex on one side, it may indicate damage to the upper brachial plexus nerves (C5-C7), also known as Erb's palsy.
Choice C reason:
The newborn cries continually. This is not a specific sign of brachial plexus injury, as crying can have many other causes, such as hunger, discomfort, or colic. Crying is a normal way for babies to communicate their needs and feelings. Crying does not necessarily indicate pain from a brachial plexus injury, as infants' nerves behave differently from adults' and they may not experience much pain from this condition.
Choice D reason:
The newborn has tremors. This is not a specific sign of brachial plexus injury, as tremors can have many other causes, such as cold temperature, low blood sugar, or withdrawal from maternal medications. Tremors are involuntary movements of the muscles that can affect the whole body or specific parts. Tremors do not necessarily indicate nerve damage from a brachial plexus injury, as this condition usually causes weakness or paralysis of the affected muscles.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Temperature is not a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. The normal range for temperature in newborns is 36.5 to 37 degrees Celsius axillary. The question does not provide the temperature of the newborn, but it does not indicate any signs of hypothermia or hyperthermia.
Choice B:
Respiratory findings are findings that the nurse should report to the provider. The newborn has mild grunting, nasal flaring, and intermittent retractions, which are signs of respiratory distress. These could indicate a problem with lung development, infection, or congenital heart disease.
Choice C:
Serum glucose is a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. The normal range for blood glucose in newborns is above 40 mg/dL. The question does not provide the serum glucose level of the newborn, but it could be low due to factors such as prematurity, maternal diabetes, or sepsis.
Choice D:
Hematocrit is a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. The normal range for hematocrit in newborns is 42% to 65%. The question does not provide the hematocrit level of the newborn, but it could be high due to polycythemia or low due to anemia or hemorrhage.
Choice E:
White blood cell count is not a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. The normal range for white blood cell count in newborns is 9,000 to 30,000/mm3. The question does not provide the white blood cell count of the newborn, but it does not indicate any signs of infection or inflammation.
Choice F:
Hemoglobin is a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. The normal range for hemoglobin in newborns is 14 to 24 g/dL. The question does not provide the hemoglobin level of the newborn, but it could be high due to polycythemia or low due to anemia or hemorrhage.
Choice G:
Heart rate is a finding that the nurse should report to the provider. The normal range for heart rate in newborns is 85 to 190 beats per minute when awake. The question does not provide the heart rate of the newborn, but it could be high due to stress, pain, fever, or hypoxia, or low due to bradycardia or cardiac arrest.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Scant scalp hair is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants who have not developed fully.
Choice B reason:
Copious vernix is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Vernix is a white, cheesy substance that covers the skin of the fetus and protects it from the amniotic fluid. Vernix is usually abundant in preterm infants and decreases as gestation progresses.
Choice C reason:
Increased subcutaneous fat is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Increased subcutaneous fat is a sign of adequate nutrition and growth, which is more likely in term infants. Post-term infants may have reduced subcutaneous fat due to placental insufficiency and decreased nutrient supply.
Choice D reason:
Dry, cracked skin is an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Dry, cracked skin is a result of prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid, which causes dehydration and desquamation of the skin. Post-term infants may also have meconium staining on their skin due to fetal distress.
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