Which physical signs could indicate a risk for hyperbilirubinemia?
Tremors
Newborn rash
Cephalohematoma
Acrocyanosis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Tremors are not a sign of hyperbilirubinemia, but they may indicate other problems such as hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, or seizures. Tremors are involuntary muscle movements that can affect different parts of the body.
Choice B reason:
Newborn rash, also known as erythema toxicum, is a common and harmless skin condition that affects many newborns. It causes red spots with white or yellow centers on the face, chest, back, or limbs. It is not related to hyperbilirubinemia or liver function.
Choice C reason:
Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp that occurs due to trauma during delivery. It can increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia because the breakdown of red blood cells in the hematoma releases bilirubin into the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is normally processed by the liver and excreted in stool and urine. If the liver is overwhelmed by the amount of bilirubin, it can cause jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Choice D reason:
Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet that occurs in some newborns due to poor circulation. It is usually a normal and transient phenomenon that does not indicate any serious problem. It is not a sign of hyperbilirubinemia or liver dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns are at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and respiratory acidosis because they have immature lungs that produce less surfactant, which is needed to keep the alveoli open and prevent atelectasis. SGA newborns also have less glycogen stores, which can lead to hypoglycemia and impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Choice B reason:
Maternal history of asthma is not a risk factor for RDS or respiratory acidosis in the newborn. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that affects the mother, not the fetus. Maternal asthma can cause complications such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction, but it does not directly affect the fetal lung development or function.
Choice C reason:
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect that causes a hole in the wall between the ventricles of the heart. This can result in increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure, which can lead to pulmonary edema and heart failure in the newborn. However, VSD does not cause RDS or respiratory acidosis, which are related to lung maturity and surfactant production.
Choice D reason:
Cesarean birth is not a risk factor for RDS or respiratory acidosis in the newborn. Cesarean birth can increase the risk of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which is caused by delayed absorption of fetal lung fluid. TTN usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours and does not cause a significant acid-base imbalance in the newborn.
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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