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"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Temperature is not a priority finding to report to the provider. The newborn's temperature may vary slightly depending on the environment and the method of measurement. A normal temperature range for a newborn is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).
Choice B:
Respiratory findings are important to report to the provider because the newborn had a low Apgar score at 1 minute and required positive pressure ventilation and oxygen. The nurse should assess the newborn's respiratory rate, effort, breath sounds, and oxygen saturation. Any signs of respiratory distress, such as tachypnea, grunting, retractions, nasal flaring, or cyanosis, should be reported immediately.
Choice C:
Serum glucose is a critical finding to report to the provider because the newborn is at risk for hypoglycemia due to the abruptio placenta and the emergency cesarean birth. Hypoglycemia can cause neurological damage and seizures in newborns. A normal serum glucose level for a newborn is 40 to 60 mg/dL.
Choice D:
Hematocrit is a significant finding to report to the provider because the newborn may have polycythemia or anemia due to the abruptio placenta and the blood loss during delivery.
Polycythemia can cause hyperviscosity and thrombosis, while anemia can cause hypoxia and shock. A normal hematocrit level for a newborn is 42% to 65%.
Choice E:
White blood cell count is not a priority finding to report to the provider. The newborn's white blood cell count may be elevated due to the stress of birth or a maternal infection. A normal white blood cell count for a newborn is 9,000 to 30,000/mm3.
Choice F:
Hemoglobin is an important finding to report to the provider because the newborn may have polycythemia or anemia due to the abruptio placenta and the blood loss during delivery.
Hemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. A normal hemoglobin level for a newborn is 14 to 24 g/dL.
Choice G:
Heart rate is a vital finding to report to the provider because the newborn had a non- reassuring fetal heart rate during labor and delivery. The nurse should monitor the newborn's heart rate and rhythm for any signs of bradycardia, tachycardia, or arrhythmias. A normal heart rate range for a newborn is 110 to 160 beats per minute.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Smoking is the most significant risk factor for clubfoot, according to several studies that have found a strong association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the occurrence of clubfoot in the offspring. Smoking may affect the development of the muscles and tendons in the fetus, leading to abnormal positioning of the foot.
Choice B reason:
Trauma during pregnancy is not a significant risk factor for clubfoot, as there is no evidence that physical injury to the mother or the fetus can cause this deformity. Clubfoot is a congenital condition that is present at birth and usually detected by prenatal ultrasound.
Choice C reason:
Hypertension is not a significant risk factor for clubfoot, as there is no evidence that high blood pressure in the mother or the fetus can cause this deformity. Clubfoot is a congenital condition that is present at birth and usually detected by prenatal ultrasound.
Choice D reason:
Decreased circulation is not a significant risk factor for clubfoot, as there is no evidence that poor blood flow to the mother or the fetus can cause this deformity. Clubfoot is a congenital condition that is present at birth and usually detected by prenatal ultrasound.
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