A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a post-term newborn who has polycythemia and hypoxemia.
What is the most likely hematocrit value for this newborn?
35%.
45%.
55%.
65%.
The Correct Answer is D
A hematocrit value of 65% indicates polycythemia, which is an abnormally high number of red blood cells.
Polycythemia can occur in post-term newborns who have hypoxemia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood. Hypoxemia stimulates the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that increases red blood cell formation.
Choice A. 35% is wrong because it is below the normal range for newborns, which is 45% to 61%.
A hematocrit value of 35% would indicate anemia, which is a low number of red blood cells.
Choice B. 45% is wrong because it is at the lower end of the normal range for newborns.
A hematocrit value of 45% would not indicate polycythemia or hypoxemia.
Choice C. 55% is wrong because it is within the normal range for newborns.
A hematocrit value of 55% would not indicate polycythemia or hypoxemia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A hematocrit value of 65% indicates polycythemia, which is an abnormally high number of red blood cells.
Polycythemia can occur in post-term newborns who have hypoxemia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood.Hypoxemia stimulates the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that increases red blood cell formation.
Choice A.35% is wrong because it is below the normal range for newborns, which is 45% to 61%.
A hematocrit value of 35% would indicate anemia, which is a low number of red blood cells.
Choice B.45% is wrong because it is at the lower end of the normal range for newborns.
A hematocrit value of 45% would not indicate polycythemia or hypoxemia.
Choice C.55% is wrong because it is within the normal range for newborns.
A hematocrit value of 55% would not indicate polycythemia or hypoxemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The newborn experienced fetal distress.Meconium staining is often caused by fetal hypoxia or other physiologic stress that triggers the fetus to pass meconium into the amniotic fluid before delivery.If the fetus aspirates the meconium, it can cause lung injury and respiratory distress, termed meconium aspiration syndrome.
Choice A is wrong because a bowel obstruction would not cause meconium staining of the nails and umbilical cord.
Choice B is wrong because a congenital anomaly would not necessarily cause meconium passage or staining.
Choice D is wrong because an infection may cause fetal distress, but it is not the direct cause of meconium staining.Meconium staining may be a sign of infection in the newborn.
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