A woman who underwent a primary cesarean birth for a breech presentation states that her neonate seems to have so much more mucus than her first baby. Concerned, she asks why this has happened.
What is the best response by the nurse?
There is no scientific reason for this occurrence; your baby will be fine in a few hours.
All babies are different so it is unwise to make comparisons between your first baby and your new baby.
Babies born by cesarean section do not have the benefit of having the mucus in their lungs removed by the pressure experienced in the birth canal.
The pain medication given during the surgery may have contributed to the mucus build up in the neonate after birth.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
This is an unscientific and dismissive response. There is a clear physiological reason for increased neonatal mucus following a cesarean birth. During a normal vaginal delivery, the thoracic squeeze exerted by the birth canal helps physically expel lung fluid and mucus, aiding the transition to extrauterine respiration.
Choice B rationale
While individual differences exist, this response fails to address the specific pathophysiology associated with the increased mucus observed in cesarean-born neonates. The lack of vaginal compression is a known factor that significantly impacts the clearance of fetal lung fluid and mucus, leading to transient tachypnea.
Choice C rationale
The lack of the "thoracic squeeze" during a cesarean birth means less fetal lung fluid and mucus are mechanically cleared compared to a vaginal birth. This remaining fluid can manifest as increased mucus-like secretions and often leads to conditions like Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN) as the lungs absorb the remaining fluid.
Choice D rationale
Pain medications like opioids, which may cross the placenta, primarily cause neonatal respiratory depression by acting on the central nervous system's respiratory centers, not by directly causing a physical build-up or inadequate clearance of mucus in the respiratory tract. Mucus clearance is a mechanical process.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["100"]
Explanation
Step 1 is: Calculate the volume of the magnesium sulfate solution that contains the ordered dose. 500 mL÷30 g = 16.666. mL/g. 6 g/hr×16.666. mL/g = 100 mL/hr. The final calculated answer is 100 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Rupture of membranes for 26 hours constitutes prolonged rupture, raising the risk of intrauterine infection (chorioamnionitis). An active infection or high suspicion is a strong contraindication to a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) due to the physiological stress on the mother and fetus, increasing the risk of uterine rupture and septic complications, thus requiring delivery.
Choice B rationale
A current separation of the symphysis pubis causes pelvic instability and severe pain. The biomechanical stress of labor and pushing could seriously worsen this condition, leading to severe chronic pain or functional disability for the mother. This significant maternal orthopedic risk factor contraindicates a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and favors a planned repeat cesarean section.
Choice C rationale
A prior cesarean for placenta previa, where the placenta covered the cervix, is considered a non-recurrent indication in a subsequent pregnancy, provided the current placenta is normally implanted. The previous surgery was for a transient placental issue, not a permanent structural maternal or fetal condition, making the client a candidate for a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC).
Choice D rationale
A previous cesarean due to breech presentation, a fetal positioning issue, is generally a non-recurrent indication if the current fetus is cephalic (head-down). This transient fetal factor does not inherently compromise the safety of the maternal pelvis or the integrity of the prior uterine scar, thus favoring an attempt at a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC).
Choice E rationale
Group B streptococcal (GBS) colonization is a routine finding requiring intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) to prevent neonatal GBS disease. GBS positivity itself is not a contraindication to a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) because the infection risk is managed with standard antibiotic protocols that can be administered during labor.
Choice F rationale
The gynecoid pelvis is anatomically the most suitable shape for vaginal birth, characterized by a rounded inlet and favorable dimensions that facilitate the cardinal movements of labor. This optimal maternal anatomy significantly improves the probability of a successful trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and supports the attempt.
Choice G rationale
A traditional (classical or vertical) cesarean incision extends through the thick contractile upper segment of the uterus, which heals less robustly than a low transverse incision. This incision type carries a significantly higher risk of uterine rupture during labor (approximately 4-9.
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.
