A nurse is using the New Ballard Scale to assess the gestational age of a newborn.
What does a higher score on the scale indicate?
Prematurity
Developmental delays
Neurological immaturity
Maturity
The Correct Answer is D
Maturity. A higher score on the New Ballard Scale indicates that the newborn is more mature based on physical and neuromuscular characteristics. The scale can be used to estimate the gestational age of a newborn infant when there is no reliable obstetrical information or a major discrepancy between the estimated date of delivery and the infant’s appearance. The scale is accurate only within plus or minus 2 weeks and can be used up to 4 days after birth, but usually within the first 24 hours.
Choice A is wrong because prematurity means that the newborn is born before the normal term of pregnancy, which is usually less than 37 weeks of gestation. Premature infants have lower scores on the New Ballard Scale because they have less developed physical and neuromuscular features.
Choice B is wrong because developmental delays mean that the newborn has not reached certain milestones of growth and development that are expected for their age.
Developmental delays are not directly related to the gestational age of a newborn and cannot be assessed by the New Ballard Scale.
Choice C is wrong because neurological immaturity means that the newborn has not developed sufficient brain function and nervous system activity that are necessary for survival and adaptation.
Neurological immaturity is not the same as neuromuscular maturity, which is one of the components of the New Ballard Scale. Neuromuscular maturity refers to the posture, tone, reflexes, and movements of the newborn’s muscles and joints.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
It determines the gestational age and identifies developmental risks.TheNew Ballard Scaleis a scale that estimates the gestational age of a newborn infant based on physical and neuromuscular characteristics.The scale can be used when there is no reliable obstetrical information or a major discrepancy between the estimated date of delivery and the infant’s appearance.The scale is accurate only within plus or minus 2 weeks and can be used up to 4 days after birth, but usually within the first 24 hours.The scale has been refined and expanded to include extremely premature neonates.
Choice A is wrong because it assesses the newborn’s cognitive development.The New Ballard Scale does not measure cognitive development, but rather physical and neuromuscular maturity.
Choice B is wrong because it evaluates the baby’s physical strength and coordination.The New Ballard Scale does not measure strength and coordination, but rather physical characteristics such as skin, lanugo, plantar surface, breast, eye/ear, and genitals, and neuromuscular characteristics such as posture, square window, arm recoil, popliteal angle, scarf sign, and heel to ear.
Choice C is wrong because it measures the newborn’s respiratory maturity.The New Ballard Scale does not measure respiratory maturity, but rather gestational age based on physical and neuromuscular criteria.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The neuromuscular maturity test on a newborn using the New Ballard Scale evaluates the flexion in different positions.The test is a scale that estimates the gestational age of a newborn infant based on physical and neuromuscular characteristics.The test can be used when there is no reliable obstetrical information or a major discrepancy between the estimated date of delivery and the infant’s appearance.
Choice A is wrong because skin thickness and appearance are part of the physical maturity score, not the neuromuscular maturity score.
Choice B is wrong because presence of lanugo and breast buds are also part of the physical maturity score, not the neuromuscular maturity score.
Choice D is wrong because creases on the bottom of feet are another part of the physical maturity score, not the neuromuscular maturity score.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.