A mother is upset because her newborn has lost 6 ounces since birth 2 days ago. The nurse informs the mother that it is normal for a newborn to lose which percentage of their birth weight within the first week of life?
10% to 15% of their birth weight.
20% of their birth weight.
15% to 18% of their birth weight.
5% to 10% of their birth weight.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
10% to 15% of their birth weight. This is incorrect because this range is too high for a normal newborn weight loss. Losing more than 10% of their birth weight may indicate dehydration, inadequate feeding, or other problems. • Choice B reason:
20% of their birth weight. This is incorrect because this percentage is way too high for a normal newborn weight loss. Losing 20% of their birth weight would be a serious sign of illness or malnutrition. • Choice C reason:
15% to 18% of their birth weight. This is incorrect because this range is also too high for a normal newborn weight loss. Losing 15% to 18% of their birth weight would be a cause for concern and require further evaluation. • Choice D reason:
5% to 10% of their birth weight. This is correct because this range is within the normal limits for a newborn weight loss. Newborns lose some weight as a result of insufficient caloric intake, fluid loss, and metabolic adjustments in the first week after birth. They usually regain their birth weight by the second week.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Choice A is incorrect because an Apgar score of 7 would not be appropriate for the described condition. An Apgar score of 7-10 is considered normal for a baby at 1 minute after birth. This baby shows positive signs such as a heart rate of 138 bpm, loud vigorous crying, spontaneous movement and flexion of the extremities, and pink skin color except for a bluish color of the hands and feet, which indicate good overall health.
Choice B reason:
Choice B is the correct answer. An Apgar score of 8 is appropriate for the described condition.
The Apgar score evaluates the baby's condition at 1 minute after birth based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, and the scores are summed up to determine the overall Apgar score. In this case, the baby exhibits positive signs in most of the criteria, resulting in an Apgar score of 8.
Choice C reason:
Choice C is incorrect because an Apgar score of 9 would be too high for the baby's condition. While the baby is exhibiting positive signs, there are still some concerns such as the bluish color of the hands and feet, which may indicate some minor circulation issues.
Choice D reason:
Choice D is also incorrect because an Apgar score of 10 is the highest possible score, and it is typically given to babies who exhibit absolutely no signs of distress or health issues at 1 minute after birth. While this baby shows mostly positive signs, the bluish color of the hands and feet suggests that there might be some minor health concerns, justifying an Apgar score of 8.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The tonic neck reflex, also called the fencing posture, occurs when a baby's head is turned to one side. The arm and leg on that side stretch out, while the opposite arm and leg bend up at the elbow. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 7 months old. This reflex matches the description of the question.
Choice B reason:
The Moro reflex, also called the startle reflex, is the baby's reaction to being startled. The cause is often a loud sound, a sudden movement, or even their own cry. As an adult, you may jump or gasp when you are startled. A baby will throw back their head, extend their arms and legs, cry, then pull their arms and legs back in. This reflex does not match the description of the question.
Choice C reason:
The startled reflex is not a distinct reflex in newborns. It is another name for the Moro reflex, which is explained.
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