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?

Choice A:

Temperature is not a priority finding to report to the provider. The newborn's temperature may vary slightly depending on the environment and the method of measurement. A normal temperature range for a newborn is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).

Choice B:

Respiratory findings are important to report to the provider because the newborn had a low Apgar score at 1 minute and required positive pressure ventilation and oxygen. The nurse should assess the newborn's respiratory rate, effort, breath sounds, and oxygen saturation. Any signs of respiratory distress, such as tachypnea, grunting, retractions, nasal flaring, or cyanosis, should be reported immediately.

Choice C:

Serum glucose is a critical finding to report to the provider because the newborn is at risk for hypoglycemia due to the abruptio placenta and the emergency cesarean birth. Hypoglycemia can cause neurological damage and seizures in newborns. A normal serum glucose level for a newborn is 40 to 60 mg/dL.

Choice D:

Hematocrit is a significant finding to report to the provider because the newborn may have polycythemia or anemia due to the abruptio placenta and the blood loss during delivery.

Polycythemia can cause hyperviscosity and thrombosis, while anemia can cause hypoxia and shock. A normal hematocrit level for a newborn is 42% to 65%.

Choice E:

White blood cell count is not a priority finding to report to the provider. The newborn's white blood cell count may be elevated due to the stress of birth or a maternal infection. A normal white blood cell count for a newborn is 9,000 to 30,000/mm3.

Choice F:

Hemoglobin is an important finding to report to the provider because the newborn may have polycythemia or anemia due to the abruptio placenta and the blood loss during delivery.

Hemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. A normal hemoglobin level for a newborn is 14 to 24 g/dL.

Choice G:

Heart rate is a vital finding to report to the provider because the newborn had a non- reassuring fetal heart rate during labor and delivery. The nurse should monitor the newborn's heart rate and rhythm for any signs of bradycardia, tachycardia, or arrhythmias. A normal heart rate range for a newborn is 110 to 160 beats per minute.

Choice A reason:

Scant scalp hair is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants who have not developed fully.

Choice B reason:

Copious vernix is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Vernix is a white, cheesy substance that covers the skin of the fetus and protects it from the amniotic fluid. Vernix is usually abundant in preterm infants and decreases as gestation progresses.

Choice C reason:

Increased subcutaneous fat is not an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Increased subcutaneous fat is a sign of adequate nutrition and growth, which is more likely in term infants. Post-term infants may have reduced subcutaneous fat due to placental insufficiency and decreased nutrient supply.

Choice D reason:

Dry, cracked skin is an expected finding for a newborn who is post-term. Dry, cracked skin is a result of prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid, which causes dehydration and desquamation of the skin. Post-term infants may also have meconium staining on their skin due to fetal distress.