The nurse completes the initial assessment of a newborn. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the newborn is experiencing difficulty with oxygenation?
Acrocyanosis.
Respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute.
Nasal flaring.
Abdominal breathing.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Acrocyanosis (choice A) is a common and relatively normal finding in newborns, especially in the first few days of life. It refers to the bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to peripheral vasoconstriction. Acrocyanosis alone does not necessarily indicate significant difficulty with oxygenation and is usually a transient and benign condition.
Choice B reason:
A respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute (choice B) is within the normal range for a newborn. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn can range from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. While an abnormal respiratory rate outside this range may be a concern, a rate of 54 breaths/minute is not indicative of significant oxygenation difficulty by itself.
Choice C reason:
Nasal flaring in a newborn is a concerning sign that suggests the baby is experiencing difficulty with oxygenation. When a newborn is having trouble getting enough oxygen, they may instinctively open their nostrils wider (nasal flaring) to increase the airflow into the nose and improve oxygen intake. This is a compensatory mechanism to overcome respiratory distress and is often seen in newborns with respiratory problems. Nasal flaring is an important clinical sign that indicates the baby may be struggling to breathe adequately and requires further evaluation and intervention by the healthcare team.
Choice D reason:
Abdominal breathing (choice D) is a normal breathing pattern in newborns. Newborns predominantly use their diaphragm to breathe, which results in abdominal movements during respiration. This is a normal and expected finding in healthy newborns and does not necessarily suggest oxygenation problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Inspecting if the urethral opening appears circular. This is a correct action for the nurse to do, as it helps to identify any abnormalities in the urethral opening, such as hypospadias or epispadias, which are congenital defects where the opening is located on the underside or the top of the penis, respectively. • Choice B reason:
Retracting the foreskin over the glans to assess for secretions. This is an incorrect action for the nurse to avoid, as it can cause pain, bleeding, and infection in the newborn. The foreskin is usually adhered to the glans in newborns and should not be forcibly retracted. It will gradually loosen over time and can be retracted by the child himself when he is older. •
Choice C reason:
Palpating if testes are descended into the scrotal sac. This is a correct action for the nurse to do, as it helps to detect any undescended testes, which are more common in preterm infants and can increase the risk of infertility and testicular cancer later in life. • Choice D reason:
Inspecting the genital area for irritated skin. This is a correct action for the nurse to do, as it helps to identify any signs of diaper rash, fungal infection, or allergic reaction in the newborn's skin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. Dehydration. A significantly indented anterior fontanelle in a newborn is most commonly a sign of dehydration.
Choice A reason:
Increased intracranial pressure: This statement is incorrect because increased intracranial pressure typically causes a bulging, not indented, fontanelle. Symptoms include irritability, vomiting, and a high-pitched cry.
Choice B reason:
Vernix caseosa: This statement is incorrect because vernix caseosa is a white, cheesy substance covering the skin of newborns, unrelated to fontanelle indentation. It serves as a protective layer for the baby’s skin.
Choice C reason:
Dehydration: This statement is correct. Dehydration in newborns can cause a sunken fontanelle due to the loss of fluid. Other signs include dry mouth, sunken eyes, and fewer wet diapers.
Choice D reason:
Cyanosis: This statement is incorrect because cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen, not related to fontanelle shape. It indicates issues with oxygenation or circulation.
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