A nurse is caring for a 36-hour-old male newborn who was born at 39 weeks of gestation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The newborn has been breastfeeding 3 to 4 times per day and has voided once since birth but has not passed meconium stool since birth. The nurse notes that the newborn’s sclera appears yellow.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply.)
Positive Coombs test
Glucose level
Scleía coloí
Absence of meconium stool
Head assessment finding
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Mucous membíane assessment
Correct Answer : A,C,D,F,G,H
Choice A rationale: A positive Coombs test indicates that the newborn has antibodies against his own red blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition can cause severe anemia and jaundice, which can lead to complications such as kernicterus if not treated promptly.
Choice B rationale: The newborn’s glucose level is within the normal range (40 to 60 mg/dL), so this finding does not require immediate follow-up.
Choice C rationale: The yellow color of the sclera indicates jaundice, which can be a sign of hyperbilirubinemia. This condition can lead to complications such as kernicterus if bilirubin levels become too high.
Choice D rationale: The absence of meconium stool in a 36-hour-old newborn is unusual, as most newborns pass meconium within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. This could indicate a problem such as meconium ileus or Hirschsprung disease, which would require further evaluation.
Choice E rationale: The head assessment finding of caput succedaneum is a common and typically harmless condition in newborns caused by pressure on the head during delivery. It does not require immediate follow-up.
Choice F rationale: The newborn’s heart rate is slightly elevated (normal range for a newborn is 120-160 beats per minute). This could be a response to factors such as fever, pain, or distress, and should be reported to the provider.
Choice G rationale: The newborn’s respiratory rate is also elevated (normal range for a newborn is 30-60 breaths per minute). This could be a sign of respiratory distress and should be reported to the provider.
Choice H rationale: Dry mucous membranes can be a sign of dehydration, which can occur if the newborn is not feeding well or is losing too much fluid, for example, through excessive sweating due to fever. This should be reported to the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The client’s hematocrit level is 27%, which is below the normal range (greater than 39%). This could indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood loss. Given the client’s report of a “gush” of blood and the nurse’s observation of a moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding, this is a concerning finding that requires immediate follow-up. Anemia in pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.
Choice B rationale: The client’s fundal height is 33 cm, which is appropriate for a gestational age of 33 weeks. Fundal height is measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, and in centimeters, it should roughly equal the number of weeks of gestation. Therefore, this finding does not require immediate follow-up.
Choice C rationale: The client reports feeling a “gush” of blood and the nurse observes a moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding. This is a concerning finding given the client’s diagnosis of complete placenta previa, a condition where the placenta
completely covers the cervix. Vaginal bleeding in this context can indicate placental abruption, a serious complication where the placenta detaches from the uterus before childbirth. This requires immediate follow-up.
Choice D rationale: The client’s platelet count is 160,000/mm³, which is within the normal range (150,000 to 400,000/mm³). This indicates that the client’s blood clotting function is currently adequate. While platelet count can decrease with significant blood loss, the client’s current platelet count does not indicate a potential complication of pregnancy.
Choice E rationale: The client’s fetal heart rate is 174/min, which is above the normal range (110 to 160/min). This could indicate fetal tachycardia, which can be a response to maternal blood loss, maternal fever, or fetal hypoxia. This is a concerning finding that requires immediate follow-up.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are spread through tiny droplets in the air, such as tuberculosis or chickenpox. Clostridium difficile is not spread in this manner.
Choice B rationale
Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are spread through larger droplets, such as influenza or pertussis. Clostridium difficile is not spread in this manner.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. Contact precautions are used for diseases that are spread through direct contact with the patient or their environment. Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that can be present in feces and can contaminate surfaces, so contact precautions are appropriate.
Choice D rationale
Protective environment precautions are used for patients who have a compromised immune system, such as those undergoing stem cell transplants. These precautions are not typically used for patients with Clostridium difficile.
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