For which reason would a nurse in the well-baby nursery report to the neonatologist that a newborn appears to be preterm?
The baby has a square window angle of 90 degrees.
The baby has leathery and cracked skin.
The baby has a popliteal angle of 90 degrees.
The baby has pronounced plantar creases.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A is correct. The square window angle, formed by the intersection of the ear and the jawline, is an important physical assessment finding in neonates. In full-term babies, this angle is typically greater than 90 degrees, appearing more rounded. However, in preterm babies, the angle is often closer to 90 degrees, appearing more square due to underdeveloped facial features and subcutaneous tissue.
Choice B is incorrect. While leathery and cracked skin can be present in both term and preterm babies, it's not a specific indicator of prematurity alone. It can be caused by various factors like intrauterine growth restriction, dehydration, or underlying skin conditions.
Choice C is incorrect. The popliteal angle, formed by flexing the knee and measuring the angle between the thigh and lower leg, is not a reliable indicator of prematurity. It can vary even among term babies and is influenced by other factors like muscle tone and positioning.
Choice D is incorrect. Pronounced plantar creases, the lines on the soles of the feet, are also not specific to prematurity. While they may be deeper in some preterm babies, they can also be present in full-term infants and their depth can vary greatly between individuals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Informing the obstetrician is important, but it is not the first action to take. The nurse should first try to address the issue at hand, which is a displaced and boggy uterus.
Choice B rationale
Straight catheterization of the patient could be necessary if the patient is unable to void. However, the first step should be to ask the patient to void.
Choice C rationale
Preparing the patient for manual removal of uterine clots is a more invasive procedure that should be considered if other measures, such as asking the patient to void or massaging the fundus, are not effective.
Choice D rationale
A full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly. Asking the patient to void can help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Atelectasis, or collapse of part or all of a lung, is a potential complication of respiratory distress syndrome in neonates. However, it would not typically cause symptoms such as increased feeding without weight gain, abdominal distention, and vomiting.
Choice B rationale
Congenital cardiac disease could potentially cause symptoms such as increased feeding without weight gain, but it would not typically cause abdominal distention and vomiting. Furthermore, congenital cardiac disease would likely have been detected prior to the onset of respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice C rationale
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious intestinal condition that can occur in premature infants, particularly those with respiratory distress syndrome. Symptoms can include increased feeding without weight gain, abdominal distention, and vomiting.
Choice D rationale
An allergy to infant formula could potentially cause symptoms such as increased feeding without weight gain, abdominal distention, and vomiting. However, this would not typically be associated with respiratory distress syndrome. .
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