Shortly after delivery, a symptom of respiratory distress in the newborn that should be reported is:

Mucus draining from the nose

Cyanosis of the hands and feet

Irregular heart rate

Sternal or chest retractions

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Sternal or chest retractions. This is because sternal or chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, which means they are having difficulty breathing. Chest retractions occur when the baby's chest pulls in with each breath, indicating that they are using extra muscles to breathe. This can be caused by various conditions that affect the lungs, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.

Choice A is not correct because mucus draining from the nose is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have some mucus in their nose and mouth after birth, which can be cleared by suctioning or wiping.

Mucus drainage does not interfere with breathing unless it is excessive or thick.

Choice B is not correct because cyanosis of the hands and feet is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have bluish discoloration of their hands and feet, called acrocyanosis, for the first few days after birth. This is due to immature circulation and does not indicate a lack of oxygen. Cyanosis of the central parts of the body, such as the face, lips, and tongue, is more concerning and should be reported.

Choice C is not correct because irregular heart rate is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have some variations in their heart rate, especially during sleep cycles. The normal heart rate range for newborns is 100 to 160 beats per minute. A heart rate that is too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) may indicate a problem with the heart or other organs³.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The Moro reflex was elicited. This is because the Moro reflex is a normal newborn reflex that occurs when the baby is startled by a loud noise or a sudden movement. The baby responds by extending the arms and legs, opening the hands, and then bringing the arms and legs back to the chest.

The Moro reflex is present at birth and disappears by 3 to 6 months of age.

Choice B is wrong because this is not abnormal for a full-term infant. The Moro reflex is a sign of a healthy nervous system and brain development.

Choice C is wrong because there is no evidence of an abnormality in the musculoskeletal system. The Moro reflex does not indicate any problems with the bones or muscles of the baby.

Choice D is wrong because the full-term infant should react to sudden movement. The Moro reflex is a protective response that helps the baby cling to the mother in case of danger.

A. Ineffective thermoregulation related to heat loss to the environment. B. Altered nutrition less than body requirement related to limited formula intake. C. Altered urinary elimination related to post-circumcision status. D. Ineffective airway clearance related to mucus and water secretions.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Ineffective airway clearance related to mucus and water secretions. This is because newborns who are born via cesarean delivery are at risk for respiratory distress due to the lack of compression of the chest during birth. This can result in retained mucus and fluid in the lungs that can interfere with breathing and oxygenation. The nurse should prioritize clearing the airway and monitoring the respiratory status of the newborn.

Choice A is wrong because ineffective thermoregulation related to heat loss to the environment is not specific to cesarean delivery. All newborns are prone to heat loss due to their large surface area and thin skin. The nurse should maintain a warm and dry environment for the newborn and prevent exposure to cold surfaces.

Choice B is wrong because altered nutrition less than the body requirement related to limited formula intake is not specific to cesarean delivery. All newborns need adequate nutrition to support their growth and development. The nurse should monitor the intake and output of the newborn and assist with feeding as needed.

Choice C is wrong because altered urinary elimination related to post- circumcision status is not specific to cesarean delivery. Circumcision is an elective procedure that may or may not be performed on male newborns. The nurse should provide wound care and pain relief for the circumcised newborn and observe for signs of infection or bleeding.

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Shortly after delivery, a symptom of respiratory distress in the newborn that should be reported is:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When the newborn's crib was moved suddenly, the nurse noticed that his legs flexed and the arms fanned out, and then both came back toward the midline. The nurse would interpret this behavior as:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing the nursing care plan for a newborn who was born via cesarean delivery. Which diagnosis should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which finding would alert the nurse to suspect that a newborn is experiencing respiratory distress?

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