A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a newborn who is 24 hr old. Which of the following findings requires intervention?
Weight loss of 3%
Voided one time since birth
Central cyanosis
Apical pulse rate of 156/min
The Correct Answer is C
A. Weight loss of 3%:
Newborns commonly experience weight loss in the first few days of life due to factors such as loss of excess fluid and adjustment to feeding. A weight loss of up to 7-10% in the first week is considered normal. Therefore, a weight loss of 3% alone, while notable, is not typically concerning enough to require immediate intervention. However, it should be monitored closely to ensure that the newborn is receiving adequate nutrition and hydration.
B. Voided one time since birth:
Newborns typically pass urine within the first 24 hours after birth. However, the frequency of voiding can vary, and it is not uncommon for a newborn to void only once in the first 24 hours. While it is important for newborns to void regularly to ensure adequate hydration and renal function, voiding once in the first 24 hours may not necessarily indicate a problem, especially if the newborn is breastfeeding. Therefore, while this finding should be monitored, it may not require immediate intervention.
C. Central cyanosis:
Central cyanosis, characterized by bluish discoloration of the lips, tongue, and mucous membranes, indicates inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It suggests a potential respiratory or cardiac problem that requires immediate evaluation and intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent complications. Central cyanosis is a concerning finding in newborns and warrants prompt attention from healthcare providers to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
D. Apical pulse rate of 156/min:
The normal range for a newborn's heart rate is typically 120-160 beats per minute. An apical pulse rate of 156/min falls within this range and is not necessarily indicative of a problem, especially if the newborn is active or crying. While variations in heart rate can occur, a rate of 156/min alone may not be alarming. However, it should be monitored for any changes or trends outside the normal range as part of routine newborn assessment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Bilirubin 1 mg/dL (0.1 to 1 mg/dL):
Bilirubin levels can be elevated in conditions involving liver dysfunction or hemolysis, such as HELLP syndrome. However, a bilirubin level of 1 mg/dL falls within the normal range (0.1 to 1 mg/dL). While bilirubin levels may be elevated in some cases of HELLP syndrome, this particular value is not indicative of HELLP syndrome.
B. Uric acid 6.8 mg/dL (2 to 6.6 mg/dL):
Elevated uric acid levels are commonly seen in preeclampsia, but they are not specific to HELLP syndrome. Uric acid levels can rise due to decreased renal function and increased cell breakdown. However, while a level of 6.8 mg/dL is slightly elevated compared to the normal range (2 to 6.6 mg/dL), it alone does not confirm the presence of HELLP syndrome.
C. Fibrinogen 500 mg/dL (200 to 400 mg/dL):
Fibrinogen levels are typically increased in pregnancy, but they can be decreased in conditions associated with consumption coagulopathy, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). However, elevated fibrinogen levels are not typically associated with HELLP syndrome. A level of 500 mg/dL is above the normal range (200 to 400 mg/dL), but this finding alone does not indicate HELLP syndrome.
D. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 80 units/L (4 to 20 units/L):
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is a liver enzyme that can be elevated in liver injury or dysfunction, which can occur in HELLP syndrome. An AST level of 80 units/L is significantly elevated compared to the normal range (4 to 20 units/L), suggesting liver dysfunction. Elevated liver enzymes are a characteristic feature of HELLP syndrome, making this finding the most indicative of HELLP syndrome among the options provided.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer oxygen via face mask at 10 L/min:
Administering oxygen can help improve tissue oxygenation and prevent hypoxia, which is critical in managing a client at risk of hypovolemic shock. However, while oxygenation is important, it may not directly address the underlying cause of the excessive bleeding. Therefore, while oxygen may be necessary, it is not the most immediate action required to address the potential cause of the hemorrhage.
B. Collect hemoglobin and hematocrit levels:
Collecting hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential for assessing the extent of blood loss and the client's hemodynamic status. This information will help determine the severity of the situation and guide further management and interventions, such as blood transfusion if indicated. Since postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality, prompt assessment of blood loss is crucial in guiding appropriate interventions to prevent further complications.
C. Prepare the client to receive a plasma expander:
Plasma expanders may be administered to help restore circulating blood volume in cases of hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss. However, before initiating plasma expander administration, it is essential to assess the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to determine the severity of blood loss and guide appropriate fluid resuscitation strategies. Therefore, preparing the client to receive a plasma expander would come after assessing the extent of blood loss through laboratory values.
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be necessary to monitor urinary output, which is an important indicator of renal perfusion and overall fluid status. However, while urinary catheterization is important for assessing renal function and fluid balance, it is not the most immediate action required to address the potential cause of the hemorrhage. Assessing blood loss through laboratory values and initiating appropriate interventions to manage postpartum hemorrhage take precedence over urinary catheterization in this scenario.
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