A nurse is evaluating a newborn who was born 2 hours ago and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with chest wall retractions and blue discoloration of the hands and feet.
Which finding indicates a decline in the newborn’s status?
Oxygen saturation of 89%
Nasal flaring
Fine crackles
Apneic episode less than 15 seconds
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
An oxygen saturation of 89% in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with chest wall retractions and blue discoloration of the hands and feet indicates a decline in the newborn’s status. This level of oxygen saturation is below the normal range for a newborn, which is typically above 95%10111213. This could indicate that the newborn is not getting enough oxygen, which could be due to a variety of conditions, including respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice B rationale
Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn. However, it is a nonspecific sign and does not necessarily indicate a decline in the newborn’s status. It could be a normal response to the newborn’s efforts to breathe more effectively.
Choice C rationale
Fine crackles can be a sign of a lung condition in a newborn. However, they are a nonspecific sign and do not necessarily indicate a decline in the newborn’s status. They could be a normal finding in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago.
Choice D rationale
An apneic episode less than 15 seconds in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago is not necessarily indicative of a decline in the newborn’s status. Brief periods of apnea (pauses in breathing) are common in newborns and are usually not a cause for concern unless they last longer than 20 seconds or are associated with other signs of distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities is a common finding in the postpartum period and does not necessarily indicate a problem. It can result from the normal fluid shifts that occur after delivery.
Choice B rationale
A blood pressure reading of 136/86 mm Hg is slightly elevated and could indicate the development of postpartum hypertension, a condition that can lead to serious complications such as stroke. This finding necessitates immediate follow-up.
Choice C rationale
Lateral deviation of the uterus could indicate a full bladder, which can interfere with uterine contractions and lead to increased bleeding. This finding necessitates immediate follow-up.
Choice D rationale
Deep tendon reflexes 1+ are within normal limits and do not necessitate immediate follow-up.
Choice E rationale
A large amount of lochia rubra could indicate postpartum hemorrhage, a potentially life- threatening condition. This finding necessitates immediate follow-up.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. Diminished deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with NAS3.
Choice B rationale
The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is one of the many reflexes that babies are born with. An absent Moro reflex is not typically associated with NAS3.
Choice C rationale
Excessive crying is a common symptom of NAS. Babies with NAS are often irritable and hard to comfort.
Choice D rationale
Decreased muscle tone is not typically associated with NAS. In fact, babies with NAS often have increased muscle tone, which can result in tight muscle tone and difficulty relaxing muscles.
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