A nurse is assessing the fontanels of a crying newborn and notes that the posterior fontanel pulsates and briefly bulges. What do these findings indicate?
Increased intracranial pressure
Dehydration
Overhydration
These are normal findings
The Correct Answer is D
A. Increased intracranial pressurE. Pulsation and bulging of the fontanel may be signs of
increased intracranial pressure in infants. However, it is important to differentiate between normal fontanel characteristics and abnormal signs of elevated intracranial pressure. In this case, the pulsation and bulging are likely normal responses to crying and changes in intracranial pressure during the newborn period.
B. Dehydration: Dehydration typically presents with sunken fontanels rather than pulsation and bulging. Dehydration is a serious condition that requires prompt assessment and intervention, but it is not indicated by the findings described in the scenario.
C. Overhydration: Overhydration is not typically associated with pulsation and bulging of the fontanel. Overhydration may lead to fluid overload and edema but does not directly affect fontanel characteristics.
D. These are normal findings: Pulsation and brief bulging of the fontanel in response to crying are considered normal findings in newborns. Fontanels allow for the flexibility of the skull bones during childbirth and provide space for brain growth during infancy. Pulsation and bulging may occur temporarily during crying or changes in intracranial pressure and are not necessarily
indicative of pathology.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The newborn does not respond to a loud noise.
A newborn should exhibit a startle response to a loud noise, indicating intact auditory sensory skills. Failure to respond to a loud noise may suggest a deficit in auditory perception.
B. The newborn's eyes focus on near objects.
Focusing on near objects is a normal visual response in newborns as they adjust to their visual environment. This behavior does not necessarily indicate a sensory deficit.
C. The newborn becomes more alert with stroking when drowsy.
Being more alert with stimulation when drowsy is a normal response and does not necessarily indicate a sensory deficit.
D. The newborn's eyes wander and occasionally are crossed.
In newborns, wandering eyes and occasional crossing are common as their visual system continues to develop. This behavior is not necessarily indicative of a sensory deficit at this stage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A Jewish male. While certain genetic factors may predispose individuals to hypertension, ethnicity or religious affiliation alone is not a direct risk factor for hypertension. Screening for hypertension should be based on individual risk factors and not solely on ethnicity or religion.
B. A white male. While hypertension can affect individuals of any race or ethnicity, it is less prevalent among white populations compared to African-American populations. However, hypertension can still occur in white males, especially if they have other risk factors such as obesity, family history, or unhealthy lifestyle habits.
C. An African-American male. African-American individuals, particularly males, have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Genetic predisposition, as well as socio-economic factors and healthcare disparities, contribute to this increased risk.
Therefore, it is important to screen African-American males for hypertension, starting from adolescence, to ensure early detection and management.
D. An Asian female. While hypertension can affect individuals of Asian descent, the prevalence is generally lower compared to other racial and ethnic groups such as African-Americans. However, certain subgroups within the Asian population, such as South Asians, may have higher rates of hypertension due to genetic and lifestyle factors. Screening for hypertension should be based on individual risk factors rather than broad racial or ethnic categories.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
