The nurse assesses a newborn at 36 weeks' gestation, and the following behaviors are noted: nasal flaring, labored breathing, and excessive mucus. The nurse is most concerned about:
Select one:
Possible Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS).
Possible polycythemia.
Possible Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN).
Possible Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Possible Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). This is an unlikely condition for this newborn, as MAS occurs when fetal stool (meconium) enters into the lungs before or during birth, causing airway obstruction, inflammation, and infection. MAS usually affects term or post-term infants who experience fetal distress or hypoxia in utero.
Choice B Reason: Possible polycythemia. This is an unrelated condition for this newborn, as polycythemia refers to an abnormally high number of red blood cells in the blood, which can increase blood viscosity and impair circulation.
Polycythemia may occur in infants who have delayed cord clamping, intrauterine growth restriction, maternal diabetes, or high altitude exposure.
Choice C Reason: Possible Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN). This is a less serious condition than RDS, as TTN is a mild respiratory problem that results from delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid after birth. TTN causes rapid breathing, nasal flaring, grunting, and mild cyanosis. It usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours after birth.
Choice D Reason: Possible Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). This is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention and treatment, as RDS can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary hemorrhage, pneumothorax, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RDS causes respiratory distress, nasal flaring, retractions, grunting, and central cyanosis. It usually occurs within minutes to hours after birth.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Homans' sign. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different sign that is not related to pregnancy. Homans' sign is a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that occurs when there is pain or discomfort in the calf or popliteal region when the foot is dorsiflexed. Homans' sign can be elicited by passive or active movement of the foot, but it is not a reliable or specific indicator of DVT.
Choice B Reason: Chadwick's sign. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different sign of pregnancy that affects the color of the cervix, not the texture. Chadwick's sign is a sign of pregnancy that refers to the bluish or purplish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva due to increased blood flow and congestion. Chadwick's sign can be observed by visual inspection of the cervix during the first prenatal visit, usually around 6 to 8 weeks of gestation.
Choice C Reason: Goodell's sign. This is because Goodell's sign is a sign of pregnancy that refers to the softening of the cervix due to increased vascularity and edema. Goodell's sign can be detected by digital examination of the cervix during the first prenatal visit, usually around 6 to 8 weeks of gestation.
Choice D Reason: McDonald's sign. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different sign of pregnancy that involves the angle of the uterus, not the cervix. McDonald's sign is a sign of pregnancy that refers to the ease of flexing the body of the uterus against the cervix, which creates an angle of 90 degrees or less. McDonald's sign can be assessed by bimanual examination of the uterus during the first prenatal visit, usually around 7 to 8 weeks of gestation.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Daily weight. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a valid parameter to assess hydration status. Daily weight is a measure of the body mass that can reflect changes in fluid balance. Daily weight can help detect fluid loss or gain in premature infants, who are more prone to dehydration or overhydration due to immature renal function and high insensible water loss.
Choice B Reason: Consistency of stool. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a valid parameter to assess hydration status. Consistency of stool is a measure of the texture and form of feces that can reflect changes in fluid intake and absorption. Consistency of stool can help identify diarrhea or constipation in premature infants, who are more susceptible to gastrointestinal problems such as necrotizing enterocolitis or feeding intolerance.
Choice C Reason: Volume of urine output. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a valid parameter to assess hydration status. Volume of urine output is a measure of the amount of urine produced and excreted by the kidneys that can reflect changes in fluid balance and renal function. Volume of urine output can help monitor hydration status and kidney function in premature infants, who are more vulnerable to fluid overload or deficit and renal impairment.
Choice D Reason: Blood pH. This is because blood pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood, which reflects the balance between carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in the body. Blood pH is not a direct indicator of hydration status, which refers to the amount of water and electrolytes in the body. Hydration status can affect blood pH, but blood pH can also be influenced by other factors such as respiratory or metabolic disorders.

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