A nurse receives handoff report. Which newborn should the nurse assess first?
Glucose reading 58 mg/dL.
Pulse 144 beats/minute.
Respiratory rate 78 breaths/minute.
Temperature 97.7° F (36.5° C).
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
While hypoglycemia (glucose <45 mg/dL) is concerning, 58 mg/dL is within acceptable ranges for many institutions, especially in asymptomatic newborns. Monitoring is required, but it is less urgent than respiratory distress.
Choice B reason:
Respiratory rate of 78 breaths per minute is also within the normal range for a newborn, which typically ranges from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. Though respiratory rate is essential to assess, it does not take priority over other critical issues.
Choice C reason:
Newborns typically have a normal respiratory rate of 30-60 breaths/minute. A rate of 78 indicates significant tachypnea, which could signal respiratory distress (e.g., transient tachypnea of the newborn, infection, or respiratory distress syndrome). Rapid breathing can lead to fatigue, hypoxia, or respiratory failure if not promptly addressed.
Choice D reason:
A glucose reading of 58 mg/dL is concerning in a newborn. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can lead to serious complications if not promptly addressed. Newborns are particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia, and it requires immediate assessment and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
10% to 15% of their birth weight. This is incorrect because this range is too high for a normal newborn weight loss. Losing more than 10% of their birth weight may indicate dehydration, inadequate feeding, or other problems. • Choice B reason:
20% of their birth weight. This is incorrect because this percentage is way too high for a normal newborn weight loss. Losing 20% of their birth weight would be a serious sign of illness or malnutrition. • Choice C reason:
15% to 18% of their birth weight. This is incorrect because this range is also too high for a normal newborn weight loss. Losing 15% to 18% of their birth weight would be a cause for concern and require further evaluation. • Choice D reason:
5% to 10% of their birth weight. This is correct because this range is within the normal limits for a newborn weight loss. Newborns lose some weight as a result of insufficient caloric intake, fluid loss, and metabolic adjustments in the first week after birth. They usually regain their birth weight by the second week.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Human placental lactogen (hPL) is a hormone produced by the placenta that helps regulate the metabolism of the mother and fetus, but it is not used as the basis for pregnancy tests. It plays a role in modulating the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to facilitate the energy supply of the fetus.
B. Estrogen (estriol) is another hormone produced by the placenta, which is important for maintaining pregnancy and preparing the body for childbirth. However, it is not the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. Estriol levels increase significantly during pregnancy but are not used as a marker for pregnancy tests.
C. Progesterone (progestin) is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting early pregnancy. While it is essential for a successful pregnancy, it is not the hormone that pregnancy tests detect. Progesterone helps prevent uterine contractions and supports the endometrium.
D. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. It is produced by the placenta shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. The presence of hCG in the blood or urine is a reliable indicator of pregnancy, which is why it is the basis for pregnancy tests.
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