A nurse is assessing a newborn's gestational age using the New Ballard Scale.
Which of the following signs would indicate prematurity?
Thin and transparent skin
Well-developed breast buds
Creases on the bottom of feet
Developed labia.
The Correct Answer is A
Thin and transparent skin is a sign of prematurity in newborns. The New Ballard Scale is a scale that estimates the gestational age of a newborn infant based on physical and neuromuscular characteristics.
The other choices are signs of maturity or postmaturity in newborns:
• Choice B: Well-developed breastbuds indicate a gestational age of 38 to 44 weeks.
• Choice C: Creases on the bottom of feet indicate a gestational age of 32 to 44 weeks.
• Choice D: Developed labia indicate a gestational age of 40 to 44 weeks.
The normal range for gestational age is 37 to 42 weeks. Premature infants are those born before 37 weeks, and postmature infants are those born after 42 weeks.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Bulging fontanelles.Bulging fontanelles can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure or intracranial and extracranial tumors.This is a potential problem for the newborn’s brain and health and should be evaluated by imaging studies.
Choice A is wrong because sunken fontanelles are usually a sign of dehydration, which is not a problem with the fontanelles themselves, but with the fluid balance of the newborn.
Choice C is wrong because a diamond-shaped anterior fontanelle is normal for a newborn.The anterior fontanelle is the largest and most important for clinical evaluation.It has an average size of 2.1 cm and a median time of closure of 13.8 months.
Choice D is wrong because a triangular posterior fontanelle is also normal for a newborn.The posterior fontanelle is smaller than the anterior one and normally closes by 8 weeks.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Monitor for signs of jaundice.A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp that occurs due to trauma or pressure during delivery.It may increase the risk of jaundice in the newborn due to the breakdown of red blood cells and the release of bilirubin.Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.Monitoring for signs of jaundice is important to prevent complications such as brain damage or kernicterus.
Apply pressure dressing over the area.This is wrong because applying pressure may increase the bleeding and cause more damage to the scalp and skull.A cephalohematoma does not require any treatment and usually resolves on its own within weeks or months.
Administer antibiotics as prescribed.This is wrong because antibiotics are not indicated for a cephalohematoma unless there is evidence of infection.Infection is a rare complication that may lead to osteomyelitis or meningitis.Antibiotics should be used only if prescribed by a doctor based on clinical signs and laboratory tests.
Elevate the head of the bed.This is wrong because elevating the head of the bed may not have any effect on a cephalohematoma.It may also cause discomfort or compromise the airway of the newborn.The position of the baby should be adjusted according to their comfort and safety.
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