A nurse is assessing a newborn who was delivered after a prolonged umbilical cord prolapse.
Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to possible neurological damage?
Hypotonia
Jaundice
Tachypnea
Petechiae
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Hypotonia. Hypotonia is a condition of low muscle tone and weakness that can indicate neurological damage due to lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Umbilical cord prolapse is a rare but serious complication that occurs when the umbilical cord drops out of the cervix before the baby during delivery, which can compress the cord and reduce or stop the oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby. This can result in brain damage, cerebral palsy, or fetal death.
Choice B. Jaundice is wrong because jaundice is a common condition in newborns that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
It is usually not a sign of neurological damage, but rather a result of immature liver function or increased breakdown of red blood cells.
Choice C. Tachypnea is wrong because tachypnea is a condition of rapid breathing that can indicate respiratory distress or infection in newborns.
It is not a specific sign of neurological damage, but rather a sign of inadequate oxygenation or ventilation.
Choice D. Petechiae is wrong because petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin.
They can occur in newborns due to trauma during delivery, low platelet count, infection, or clotting disorders.
They are not a sign of neurological damage, but rather a sign of bleeding or inflammation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Place the client in a knee-chest position.This is because this position can reduce the pressure of the fetal presenting part on the prolapsed cord and improve fetal oxygenation.The nurse should also notify the provider and prepare for an emergency cesarean delivery, but this is not the first action to take.
Choice A is wrong because applying warm saline-soaked gauze to the exposed cord can prevent drying and atrophy of the cord, but it does not relieve cord compression.
Choice C is wrong because administering oxygen via face mask at 10 L/min can increase maternal oxygen saturation and fetal oxygen delivery, but it does not address the cause of cord prolapse.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the provider and preparing for an emergency cesarean delivery is a necessary action, but it is not the first priority.The nurse should first try to relieve cord compression by placing the client in a knee-chest position.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Elevate the presenting part with a sterile gloved hand.This intervention helps to relieve cord compression until delivery by preventing the fetus from pushing down on the cord.The umbilical cord is the lifeline of the fetus and any compression can cause fetal hypoxemia and distress.
Choice B is wrong because pushing the cord back into the vagina with gentle pressure can cause more damage to the cord and increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because clamping and cutting the cord as quickly as possible will cut off the fetal blood supply and oxygenation.
Choice D is wrong because wrapping the cord loosely around the fetal neck can cause strangulation and compromise fetal circulation.
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