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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Providing the client with a cool sitz bath can help soothe the perineal area, reduce inflammation, and promote healing after a fourth-degree laceration.
Choice B rationale
Administering methylergonovine IM is typically used for the prevention and treatment of postpartum or post-abortion hemorrhage caused by uterine atony or subinvolution. It would not directly address the care of a fourth-degree perineal laceration.
Choice C rationale
Applying a moist, warm compress to the perineum can provide some relief from discomfort, but a cool compress or sitz bath is typically recommended initially after a perineal laceration to help reduce swelling.
Choice D rationale
Applying povidone-iodine to the client’s perineum after she voids is not typically part of the care for a fourth-degree perineal laceration. The area should be kept clean, but routine application of antiseptics is not usually necessary.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While monitoring glucose levels is important in newborn care, it is not specifically related to breastfeeding frequency and voiding patterns.
Choice B rationale
While assessing the newborn’s head and sclera color is part of a comprehensive newborn examination, it is not specifically related to breastfeeding frequency and voiding patterns.
Choice C rationale
While monitoring the newborn’s respiratory rate is crucial in newborn care, it is not specifically related to breastfeeding frequency and voiding patterns.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring intake and output is directly related to breastfeeding frequency and voiding patterns. A newborn who has been breastfeeding 3 to 4 times per day should have passed meconium stool by 36 hours old. The absence of meconium stool could indicate a problem and should be reported to the provider.
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