A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Increased subcutaneous fat
Dry, cracked skin
Scant scalp hair
Copious vernix
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Increased subcutaneous fat is not a typical finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have less subcutaneous fat, and may appear thin and wasted.
Choice B reason: Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because the skin has been exposed to the amniotic fluid for a prolonged period. The skin may also appear peeling, wrinkled, or leathery.
Choice C reason: Scant scalp hair is not a usual finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have more scalp hair, and may also have long nails and abundant lanugo.
Choice D reason: Copious vernix is not a specific finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have little or no vernix, which is a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin in utero.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: She is exhibiting hypertonic uterine dysfunction, because she has frequent and painful contractions that are ineffective in dilating the cervix. Hypertonic uterine dysfunction occurs when the uterus contracts too often and too forcefully, resulting in poor oxygenation and fetal distress. The woman may need tocolytic therapy, pain relief, and hydration.
Choice B reason: She is not experiencing a normal latent stage, because her contractions are too frequent and too painful for this phase of labor. The normal latent stage is characterized by irregular and mild contractions that gradually increase in frequency and intensity, and cervical dilation from 0 to 3 cm.
Choice C reason: She is not experiencing precipitous labor, because her labor is not progressing rapidly. Precipitous labor is defined as labor that lasts less than 3 hours from the onset of contractions to the delivery of the baby. It is associated with cervical dilation of more than 5 cm per hour.
Choice D reason: She is not exhibiting hypotonic uterine dysfunction, because her contractions are not weak or infrequent. Hypotonic uterine dysfunction occurs when the uterus contracts too weakly or too rarely, resulting in prolonged labor and increased risk of infection. The woman may need oxytocin augmentation, amniotomy, or cesarean section.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The mother applying lotion to the newborn's skin requires intervention by the nurse, because it can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy and increase the risk of thermal injury. The nurse should instruct the mother to avoid using any lotions, creams, or oils on the newborn's skin during phototherapy.
Choice B reason: The newborn's stools increasing in number does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a normal and expected outcome of phototherapy. Phototherapy can increase the breakdown and excretion of bilirubin, which can result in more frequent and loose stools.
Choice C reason: A pink rash appearing on the newborn's trunk does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a common and harmless side effect of phototherapy. The rash usually disappears within a few days after phototherapy is discontinued.
Choice D reason: The newborn's eyes being covered with a mask does not require intervention by the nurse, because it is a standard and essential precaution for phototherapy. The mask protects the newborn's eyes from the harmful effects of the light, such as corneal damage or retinal injury.
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