A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 30 minutes old in the newborn nursery.
The condition that poses the greatest risk to the newborn is
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
The condition that poses the greatest risk to the newborn is meconium aspiration syndrome due to amniotic fluid.
Rationale for correct answers
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when a newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid, leading to airway obstruction, chemical pneumonitis, and surfactant dysfunction. The presence of dark brown-greenish amniotic fluid, along with mild respiratory distress (nasal flaring, increased respiratory rate of 60/min), raises concern for MAS. Close monitoring for worsening respiratory symptoms is essential.
Amniotic fluid contamination with meconium increases the risk of lung inflammation and infection. The newborn’s vigorous condition suggests mild aspiration, but continuous observation is needed.
Rationale for incorrect Response 1 options
- Jaundice: While term newborns may develop physiological jaundice, there are no indications of hyperbilirubinemia or hemolysis in this case.
- Hypoglycemia: No jitteriness or poor feeding, and birth weight is within normal range; hypoglycemia more commonly affects preterm or low birth weight infants.
- Cold stress: The newborn is under a radiant warmer, and temperature is within normal range (36.5°C).
Rationale for incorrect Response 2 options
- Birth weight: No signs of growth restriction or macrosomia-associated complications.
- Acrocyanosis: Normal in newborns due to immature circulation, not an indicator of respiratory compromise.
- Apgar scores: Strong Apgar scores (8 and 9) suggest good adaptation to extrauterine life.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fetal hypoxemia, a deficiency in oxygen reaching the fetal tissues, typically manifests as late decelerations in the fetal heart rate tracing, which reflect uteroplacental insufficiency. While severe hypoxemia can lead to various FHR patterns, variable decelerations are more directly associated with mechanical factors affecting the umbilical cord.
Choice B rationale
Altered fetal cerebral blood flow can be a consequence of various factors, including hypoxemia and cord compression, and can influence the fetal heart rate. However, variable decelerations are specifically caused by events that directly impede blood flow through the umbilical vessels rather than a generalized alteration in cerebral circulation.
Choice C rationale
Uteroplacental insufficiency, a condition where the placenta is unable to deliver an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, typically results in late decelerations, indicating fetal distress due to chronic hypoxia. Variable decelerations, in contrast, have a more abrupt onset and recovery, reflecting acute changes in umbilical cord blood flow.
Choice D rationale
Umbilical cord compression occurs when the umbilical cord, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, is squeezed or constricted. This compression leads to a transient decrease in fetal blood flow and oxygenation, resulting in a rapid drop and subsequent return of the fetal heart rate, which is characteristic of variable decelerations. The shape, timing, and abrupt nature of variable decelerations directly correlate with the intermittent pressure on the umbilical cord.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A platelet count of 50,000/mm³ is critically low (normal range is 150,000-450,000/mm³) in a client with pre-eclampsia. Thrombocytopenia is a serious complication of pre-eclampsia and can significantly increase the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage. This finding requires immediate reporting and intervention.
Choice B rationale
A hemoglobin level of 11 grams/dL is within the lower end of the normal range for postpartum women (typically 12-15 g/dL) and is not an immediate concern in the context of pre-eclampsia, unless there is a rapid decline or other concerning symptoms.
Choice C rationale
A creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL is below the normal range for non-pregnant adults (typically 0.6-1.2 mg/dL) and might be lower in pregnancy due to increased glomerular filtration rate. While kidney function should be monitored in pre-eclampsia, this specific value is not immediately alarming.
Choice D rationale
A fasting blood glucose of 65 mg/dL is within the normal range (typically 70-100 mg/dL) and is not a typical finding that requires immediate reporting in pre-eclampsia, although gestational diabetes can sometimes coexist.
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