A pregnant woman at 37 weeks of gestation has had ruptured membranes for 26 hours. A cesarean section is performed for failure to progress. The fetal heart rate (FHR) before birth is 180 beats per minute with limited variability. At birth, the newborn has Apgar scores of 6 and 7 at 1 and 5 minutes and is noted to be pale and tachypneic. Based on the maternal history, what is the most likely cause of this newborn's distress?
Hypoglycemia
Phrenic nerve injury
Sepsis
Meconium aspiration syndrome
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar level that can affect newborns, especially those who are premature, small for gestational age, or have diabetic mothers. However, hypoglycemia does not explain the high FHR, the low Apgar scores, or the pale and tachypneic appearance of the newborn.
Choice B reason: Phrenic nerve injury is a rare complication of cesarean section that can cause diaphragmatic paralysis and respiratory distress in the newborn. However, phrenic nerve injury usually affects only one side of the chest, and does not cause high FHR, low Apgar scores, or pallor.
Choice C reason: Sepsis is a serious infection that can affect newborns, especially those who are exposed to prolonged rupture of membranes, as in this case. Sepsis can cause high FHR, low Apgar scores, pale and tachypneic appearance, and other signs of shock and organ failure.
Choice D reason: Meconium aspiration syndrome is a condition where the newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid into the lungs, causing respiratory distress. However, meconium aspiration syndrome usually occurs in term or post-term infants, and is associated with low FHR, not high FHR. Meconium aspiration syndrome also causes cyanosis, not pallor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blunt force trauma is a possible risk factor for placental abruption, which is a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and causes bleeding, pain, and fetal distress. However, blunt force trauma is not the most common risk factor, as it accounts for only a small percentage of cases. The most common causes of blunt force trauma are motor vehicle accidents, falls, or domestic violence.
Choice B reason: Hypertension is the most common risk factor for placental abruption, as it affects about 50% of cases. Hypertension can cause vasospasm and reduced blood flow to the placenta, which can weaken the attachment and lead to separation. Hypertension can be chronic, gestational, or related to preeclampsia.
Choice C reason: Gestational diabetes mellitus is not a risk factor for placental abruption, but rather a condition where the client develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy and can cause complications, such as macrosomia, polyhydramnios, or neonatal hypoglycemia. Gestational diabetes mellitus does not affect the placental attachment or function.
Choice D reason: Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for placental abruption, as it can cause vasoconstriction and reduced oxygen delivery to the placenta, which can impair its growth and development. However, cigarette smoking is not the most common risk factor, as it affects about 25% of cases.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not helpful to use euphemisms or avoid the words dead or died when talking about the loss of an infant. Using the words lost or gone can imply that the baby is not really dead, or that the baby can be found or returned, which can create confusion and denial in the family. Using the words dead or died can help the family to acknowledge and accept the reality of the loss, and to express their grief and emotions.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not helpful to set a firm time for ending the visit with the baby, as it can make the parents feel rushed, pressured, or controlled. Setting a firm time for ending the visit can interfere with the parents' natural process of saying goodbye to the baby, and can prevent them from creating memories and bonding with the baby. The parents should be allowed to decide how long they want to spend with the baby, and to end the visit when they are ready.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not helpful to encourage the family not to give the baby a name, as it can make the baby seem less real, less important, or less valued. Encouraging the family not to give the baby a name can deny the family's right to recognize and honor the baby as a person, and to establish a relationship and an identity with the baby. The family should be supported to give the baby a name, and to use the name when referring to the baby.
Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as it is helpful to ensure the baby is clothed or wrapped if the parents choose to visit with the baby, as it can make the baby look more comfortable, warm, and human. Ensuring the baby is clothed or wrapped can facilitate the parents' physical contact and interaction with the baby, and can enhance the parents' perception and memory of the baby. The parents should be offered to choose the clothing or the blanket for the baby, and to keep them as mementos.
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