Which information is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to relay to the registered nurse (RN) concerning a 24-hour-old infant?
The mother has changed 3 wet diapers.
The infant has not emptied a 3 oz formula bottle.
The infant has not passed meconium stool.
The mother has used the bulb syringe.
The Correct Answer is C
Passage of meconium stool is a normal and expected event in the first 24-48 hours of life. The absence of meconium stool can be indicative of bowel obstruction or other underlying medical conditions, and requires further investigation and evaluation by the healthcare team. The other options are important pieces of information, but they do not carry the same level of urgency as the absence of meconium stool.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The practical nurse (PN) should recognize that a newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus and is exhibiting grunting with mild sternal retractions is exhibiting signs of patent ductus arteriosus. Patent ductus arteriosus is a condition in which the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta, fails to close after birth. This can result in abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery, leading to respiratory distress.
Hypothyroidism (Option A) and hyperinsulinemia (Option C) are conditions that can occur in newborns, but they do not typically present with grunting and sternal retractions.
Ventral septal defect (Option D) is a congenital heart defect that can cause respiratory distress, but it is not specifically associated with maternal diabetes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Limited abduction of the legs in a newborn can be a sign of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed. The practical nurse (PN) should notify the healthcare provider of this finding so that further assessment and appropriate intervention can be initiated.
Performing range of motion to the joint (A) is not appropriate without a healthcare provider's order. Continuing care as if this is a normal finding (B) is not appropriate because limited abduction of the legs in a newborn can be a sign of DDH. While documenting the finding in the record (D) is important, notifying the healthcare provider is the most important action for the PN to take next.
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