A nurse is caring for a neonate in the neonatal intensive care unit.
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Nurses' Notes
1200:
The neonate is 3 days old. Lung sounds clear to auscultation. Frequent episodes of apnea, responds to tactile stimuli. Oxygen saturation 95% to 98% via nasal cannula. Neonate on radiant warmer.
Temperature 36.3° C (97.3° F)
Heart rate 158/min
Respiratory rate 70/min
Substernal retractions and nasal flaring noted. Orogastric (OG) tube placement verified. Continuous breast milk feedings via OG tube initiated 12 hr ago. The umbilical arterial catheter (UAC) site is clean, dry, and intact. Peripheral pulses 2+. Capillary refill brisk. Abdomen is soft, bowel sounds are present. Abdominal circumference increased by 1 cm (0.4 in) since the prior assessment.
Lung sounds clear to auscultation
Frequent episodes of apnea
responds to tactile stimuli
Temperature 36.3° C (97.3° F)
Heart rate 158/min
Respiratory rate 70/min
Substernal retractions and nasal flaring noted
Abdominal circumference increased by 1 cm (0.4 in) since the prior assessment
The Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F","G","H"]
Frequent episodes of apnea, responds to tactile stimuli: Apnea in a neonate, especially one born preterm (at 34 weeks gestation), is not uncommon but should be carefully monitored. However, frequent apnea episodes may indicate an underlying respiratory issue, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or an infection. Apnea that requires tactile stimuli to resolve should be followed up with further assessment and possibly intervention.
Substernal retractions and nasal flaring: These are signs of respiratory distress. Substernal retractions and nasal flaring indicate the neonate is working harder to breathe, which may point to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or other respiratory compromise. Close monitoring and follow-up are necessary to assess the neonate's respiratory status and oxygenation.
Respiratory rate of 70/min: This is on the higher end for a neonate and may indicate respiratory distress or compensation for oxygenation issues. Close monitoring is required.
Temperature of 36.3 °C (97.3 °F): While this temperature is within the normal range for a neonate, it is on the lower end of the spectrum. Neonates, especially preterm ones, are at risk for hypothermia. The neonate is on a radiant warmer, which suggests that there may still be concerns regarding temperature regulation. This needs to be monitored closely to ensure proper thermal regulation.
Increased abdominal circumference by 1 cm (0.4 in): An increase in abdominal circumference can be a sign of feeding intolerance, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or other gastrointestinal issues. It is important to continue monitoring for other signs of NEC or abdominal distension, which can indicate the need for intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Sacral curvature relates to lordosis, not scoliosis.
B. Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights are classic signs of scoliosis.
C. Hip range of motion is usually unaffected by scoliosis.
D. Mild hip pain is not a typical feature of scoliosis.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
A. Assist the provider with inserting a fetal scalp electrode (FSE) and intrauterine pressure catheter (IUCP): This action is not the priority in the context of the client's current clinical status, particularly with the risk of placental abruption and severe bleeding. Fetal monitoring via scalp electrode and IUCP is typically reserved for stable clients, and invasive monitoring should be avoided in a potentially unstable situation.
B. Obtain serial H&H and clotting studies: The client is presenting with significant vaginal bleeding, low hemoglobin (8.1 g/dL at 0930, decreased to 7.5 g/dL at 1005), and low hematocrit levels (24% at 0930, dropping to 21% at 1005). Serial hemoglobin and hematocrit levels will help monitor ongoing blood loss and guide decisions regarding further interventions, such as transfusion. Clotting studies, including the prothrombin time and PTT, are necessary to assess the client's coagulation status and potential for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which can be associated with placental abruption or severe bleeding.
C. Administer misoprostol 600 mg rectally: Misoprostol is used to manage postpartum hemorrhage or to induce labor, but it is not indicated in the acute management of this client's condition. The client is 38 weeks gestation and presenting with signs of potential placental abruption, not requiring the use of misoprostol at this time.
D. Place the client in a supine position: The client should not be placed in a supine position, as this may exacerbate hypotension due to the supine hypotension syndrome, particularly if the uterus is compressing the inferior vena cava. The client would benefit more from positioning that promotes circulation, such as lying on the left side.
E. Prepare to transfuse 2 units of packed RBCs: The client is showing signs of hypovolemic shock with progressively declining blood pressure (from 95/62 mm Hg to 85/48 mm Hg), elevated heart rate (from 104/min to 128/min), and worsening hematocrit and hemoglobin. Blood transfusion is likely necessary to restore circulating volume, improve oxygen delivery, and address the ongoing blood loss.
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