A nurse is caring for a term newborn who is 48 hr old

Exhibits

The nurse assessing the newborn 24 hr later. How should the nurse interpret the findings?

For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is unrelated to the diagnosis, a sign of potential improvement, or a sign of potential worsening condition.

In the context of a client at 32 weeks of gestation with complete placenta previa, the following assessment findings require immediate follow-up:

A. Fetal heart rate:

Explanation: An elevated fetal heart rate (174/min) may be indicative of fetal distress. This finding requires immediate follow-up to assess the well-being of the fetus.

F. Vaginal bleeding:

Explanation: A moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding is a concerning sign, especially in the context of complete placenta previa. It indicates active bleeding, and immediate follow-up is necessary to assess the severity of the situation and the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.

C & D. Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct):

Explanation: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important indicators of blood loss. Given the vaginal bleeding, these values need immediate follow-up to assess the extent of maternal blood loss and the potential need for blood transfusion.

The following assessment findings do not require immediate follow-up in the given context:

B. Fundal height:

Explanation: Fundal height (33cm) is typically measured to assess fetal growth. While it's important to monitor, it may not be an immediate concern unless there are other signs of fetal distress.

E. Platelet count:

Explanation: While platelet count is important, it may not require immediate follow-up unless there is evidence of severe bleeding and a potential risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In this scenario, attention to Hgb and Hct is more urgent.

G & H. White Blood Cell (WBC) count and Red Blood Cell (RBC) count:

Explanation: WBC count and RBC count may be monitored but do not require immediate follow-up unless there are signs of infection or other complications not evident in the given information.

A. Weak cry: A weak cry is not a specific manifestation associated with newborns exposed to methadone. Methadone-exposed newborns may show signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), but a weak cry is not a primary characteristic.

B. Poor feeding: This is the correct answer. Poor feeding is a common manifestation of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in newborns exposed to opioids, including methadone. NAS can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including feeding difficulties.

C. Respiratory rate of 30/min: While respiratory issues can be part of the neonatal abstinence syndrome, a specific respiratory rate of 30/min is not universally characteristic. NAS symptoms can vary among infants.

D. Absent Moro reflex: The Moro reflex is not typically affected in infants exposed to methadone. NAS symptoms often involve central nervous system irritability, but the Moro reflex is a complex primitive reflex that may remain intact.