A nurse is assessing a newborn.
Which finding may indicate a problem?
The newborn’s nostrils flare slightly during respiration.
The newborn’s hands and feet are blue and feel cool.
The newborn’s eyes move randomly when his head is turned to the side.
The newborn’s tongue thrusts forward when it is lightly touched.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. The newborn’s nostrils flare slightly during respiration. This is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn.
Flaring nostrils indicate that the newborn is working hard to breathe and may not be getting enough oxygen.
Choice B is wrong because the newborn’s hands and feet are blue and feel cool. This is a normal finding called acrocyanosis, which occurs due to immature peripheral circulation.
It usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours after birth.
Choice C is wrong because the newborn’s eyes move randomly when his head is turned to the side. This is a normal finding called nystagmus, which occurs due to immature eye muscles and coordination.
It usually disappears by 6 months of age.
Choice D is wrong because the newborn’s tongue thrusts forward when it is lightly touched. This is a normal finding called the extrusion reflex, which helps the newborn to suck and swallow.
It usually fades by 4 months of age.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Physiologic jaundice is a common condition in newborns that occurs when the baby’s blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.In the womb, the mother’s liver removes bilirubin for the baby, but after birth the baby’s own liver must take over this function.Because the baby has more red blood cells than an adult and their liver is still immature, they may not be able to process all the bilirubin and it may build up in their skin and eyes, causing a yellowish appearance.
Choice A is wrong because it is not an increase in neonatal metabolism that causes physiologic jaundice, but rather a decrease in hepatic metabolism of bilirubin.
Choice C is wrong because it describes a different type of jaundice called hemolytic jaundice, which occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the baby, leading to an immune reaction that destroys the baby’s red blood cells faster than they can be replaced.
Choice D is wrong because it confuses the reticuloendothelial system with the hepatic system.
The reticuloendothelial system is a network of cells and tissues that are involved in immune responses and phagocytosis (the ingestion of foreign particles or cells).
The hepatic system is the system of organs and structures that are involved in liver functions, such as bile production and detoxification.
Normal ranges for bilirubin levels in newborns are 1 to 12 mg/dL (17 to 205 micromol/L) for total bilirubin and 0.2 to 1.4 mg/dL (3 to 24 micromol/L) for direct bilirubin.
Physiologic jaundice usually peaks at 3 to 5 days after birth and resolves by 2 weeks of age.
It does not require treatment unless the bilirubin levels are very high or rising rapidly, which may indicate a more serious condition or a risk of brain damage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Leaning slightly backwards when walking can increase the curvature of the lower spine and worsen back pain.
The other choices are helpful methods to alleviate back pain during pregnancy.
Choice A is correct because pelvic tilt exercises can strengthen the abdominal muscles and reduce the strain on the lower back.
Choice B is correct because wearing shoes with low heels can improve posture and balance and prevent excessive arching of the lower back.
Choice C is correct because sleeping on the side with a pillow beneath the knees can support the spine and pelvis and relieve pressure on the lower back.
Normal ranges for back pain during pregnancy vary depending on the individual, but some common factors that can affect it are weight gain, hormonal changes, center of gravity shift, stress and muscle separation.
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