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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Thrombophlebitis is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein and causes inflammation and pain. The risk factors for thrombophlebitis include immobility, dehydration, obesity, smoking, and cesarean birth. This client is not at increased risk for thrombophlebitis based on the information given.

Choice B reason: Retained placental fragments are pieces of the placenta that remain in the uterus after delivery and can cause bleeding, infection, or uterine subinvolution. The risk factors for retained placental fragments include placenta previa, placenta accreta, manual removal of the placenta, and incomplete separation of the placenta. This client is not at increased risk for retained placental fragments based on the information given.

Choice C reason: Puerperal infection is an infection of the reproductive tract that occurs within six weeks after delivery and can cause fever, malaise, abdominal pain, and foul-smelling lochia. The risk factors for puerperal infection include prolonged rupture of membranes, prolonged labor, multiple vaginal examinations, operative delivery, and retained placental fragments. This client is not at increased risk for puerperal infection based on the information given.

Choice D reason: Uterine atony is a condition where the uterus fails to contract and retract after delivery and can cause excessive bleeding, hypovolemic shock, and hemorrhage. The risk factors for uterine atony include overdistension of the uterus, prolonged labor, oxytocin use, anesthesia, and trauma. This client is at increased risk for uterine atony due to the large size of the newborn, which can overstretch the uterus and impair its ability to contract.

A. Asymmetric thigh folds B. Absent plantar reflexes C. Lengthened thigh on the affected side D. Inwardly turned foot on the affected side

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Asymmetric thigh folds is a common finding in newborns who have DDH, because the affected hip is dislocated or subluxated, causing the thigh to appear shorter and the skin folds to be uneven. The nurse should compare the number and depth of the skin folds on both sides of the groin and buttocks.

Choice B reason: Absent plantar reflexes is not a typical finding in newborns who have DDH, because it is not related to the hip joint. The plantar reflex is a normal reflex that causes the toes to curl when the sole of the foot is stroked. The nurse should assess the plantar reflex in all newborns, regardless of their hip status.

Choice C reason: Lengthened thigh on the affected side is not a usual finding in newborns who have DDH, because the opposite is true. The affected thigh is usually shorter than the unaffected thigh, due to the displacement of the femoral head from the acetabulum. The nurse should measure the length of both thighs from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus.

Choice D reason: Inwardly turned foot on the affected side is not a specific finding in newborns who have DDH, because it can be caused by other conditions, such as metatarsus adductus or clubfoot. The inward turning of the foot is not a direct result of the hip disorder, but rather a secondary effect of the abnormal positioning of the leg. The nurse should examine the alignment and mobility of the foot and ankle.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is 5 hr postpartum following a vaginal birth of a newborn weighing 11 lb 6 oz. (5160 g). The nurse should recognize that this client is at risk for which of the following postpartum complications?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a newborn who has developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is teaching a client who is in her second trimester and has a new diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for several clients. The nurse should recognize that it is safe to administer tocolytic therapy to which of the following clients?

A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who is 3 weeks postpartum following the birth of a healthy newborn. The client reports feeling very sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry. Which of the following is a priority action by the nurse?

Which compound would the nurse have readily available for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate to treat severe preeclampsia?

A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is suspected of having a hydatidiform mole. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe in this client?

A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for abruption?