A nurse is collecting data from a newborn who has respiratory distress syndrome and is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which of the following risk factors predisposes the newborn to respiratory difficulties?
Small for gestational age.
Maternal history of asthma.
Ventricular septal defect.
Cesarean birth.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns are at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and respiratory acidosis because they have immature lungs that produce less surfactant, which is needed to keep the alveoli open and prevent atelectasis. SGA newborns also have less glycogen stores, which can lead to hypoglycemia and impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Choice B reason:
Maternal history of asthma is not a risk factor for RDS or respiratory acidosis in the newborn. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that affects the mother, not the fetus. Maternal asthma can cause complications such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction, but it does not directly affect the fetal lung development or function.
Choice C reason:
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect that causes a hole in the wall between the ventricles of the heart. This can result in increased pulmonary blood flow and pressure, which can lead to pulmonary edema and heart failure in the newborn. However, VSD does not cause RDS or respiratory acidosis, which are related to lung maturity and surfactant production.
Choice D reason:
Cesarean birth is not a risk factor for RDS or respiratory acidosis in the newborn. Cesarean birth can increase the risk of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which is caused by delayed absorption of fetal lung fluid. TTN usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours and does not cause a significant acid-base imbalance in the newborn.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Document fundal height. This is a correct action because the nurse should monitor the involution of the uterus by measuring the fundal height and comparing it to the expected level. The fundus should descend about one fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day after delivery and be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth.
Choice B:
Observe the lochia during palpation of the fundus. This is a correct action because the nurse should assess the amount, color, and consistency of the lochia (vaginal discharge) during the fundal massage. The lochia should change from rubra (red) to serosa (pink) to alba (white) over time and not increase in amount or revert to a previous stage.
Choice C:
Massage a firm fundus. This is an incorrect action because a firm fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and involution. Massaging a firm fundus can cause discomfort and bleeding for the client. The nurse should only massage a boggy (soft) fundus to stimulate contraction and prevent hemorrhage.
Choice D:
Determine whether the fundus is midline. This is a correct action because the nurse should check if the fundus is deviated to either side, which may indicate a full bladder. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding or infection. The nurse should assist the client to void if the fundus is not midline.
Choice E:
Administer terbutaline if the fundus is boggy. This is an incorrect action because terbutaline is a tocolytic drug that relaxes the uterine muscle and inhibits contractions. It is used to stop preterm labor, not to treat postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should administer oxytocin or other uterotonic drugs if the fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placental insufficiency is a condition in which the placenta does not deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, resulting in restricted growth and development. This is one of the most common causes of SGA babies.
Choice B reason:
Primipara means a woman who is pregnant for the first time or who has given birth to one child. Primipara is not a cause of SGA, although some studies have suggested that first-time mothers may have a slightly higher risk of having a low-birth-weight baby than multiparous women.
Choice C reason:
Maternal obesity is a condition in which the mother has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher before or during pregnancy. Maternal obesity is not a cause of SGA, but rather a risk factor for having a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) baby, which can lead to complications such as macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and birth trauma.
Choice D reason:
Perinatal asphyxia is a condition in which the baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth, causing hypoxia and acidosis. Perinatal asphyxia is not a cause of SGA, but rather a possible complication of SGA, especially if the placental insufficiency is severe or prolonged. Perinatal asphyxia can damage the brain and other organs of the baby and lead to long-term neurological impairments.
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