A 1-day old newborn was born to a mother who had positive vaginal cultures for Group Beta Strep. The mother was only in labor for 1 hour prior to birth. What findings would indicate possible neonatal sepsis?
Elevated hemoglobin and bilirubin.
Acrocyanosis and unstable thermoregulation.
Generalized mottling and uncoordinated suck.
Lethargy and pallor.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Elevated hemoglobin and bilirubin: These findings are more consistent with jaundice or polycythemia, not sepsis.
B. Acrocyanosis and unstable thermoregulation: Acrocyanosis is normal in newborns; thermoregulation issues are concerning but nonspecific for sepsis.
C. Generalized mottling and uncoordinated suck: These may occur in sepsis but are less specific compared to lethargy and pallor.
D. Lethargy and pallor: These are classic signs of neonatal sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The basal metabolic rate may increase as a result of cold stress, but the primary purpose of the warmer is to prevent cold stress.
B. Newborns are at risk of cold stress because they have a large body surface area and limited ability to regulate body temperature. A radiant warmer is used to help maintain the newborn’s body temperature and prevent cold stress.
C. Newborns do not typically shiver to generate heat. They rely on mechanisms such as non-shivering thermogenesis (use of brown fat).
D. Brown fat is used for heat production, but the goal of the radiant warmer is to prevent cold stress, not directly stimulate brown fat production.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hemolysis by maternal antibodies suggests hemolytic disease of the newborn (e.g., Rh incompatibility), which typically presents earlier and more severely.
B. Delayed meconium excretion may lead to increased bilirubin, but this is not the most common cause of jaundice at 3 days.
C. Pathological jaundice occurs within the first 24 hours or persists longer than a week.
D. Physiological jaundice is a common finding in newborns due to the natural breakdown of fetal red blood cells (RBCs) and the immature liver's inability to efficiently process bilirubin.
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