The nurse is assessing a newborn at 1 hour of age. Which finding requires the nurse's immediate action?
Pauses in respiration lasting 30 seconds
Respiratory rate 36, crackles present bilaterally
Apical heart rate of 160 with mild systolic murmur heard
Small white papules on nose and chin
The Correct Answer is B
A) Pauses in respiration lasting 30 seconds:
Pauses lasting longer than 20 seconds or accompanied by other signs of distress would warrant further evaluation. A 30-second pause by itself, without additional concerning symptoms, is generally not a reason for immediate action.
B) Respiratory rate 36, crackles present bilaterally:
The presence of bilateral crackles is concerning. Crackles can indicate fluid in the lungs, possibly from retained amniotic fluid or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In a term newborn, bilateral crackles at this time, especially if accompanied by tachypnea or other signs of respiratory distress, may indicate a serious respiratory issue, such as aspiration pneumonia or RDS. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to ensure the infant is breathing adequately and that there are no underlying complications.
C) Apical heart rate of 160 with mild systolic murmur heard:
An apical heart rate of 160 is within the normal range for a newborn (typically 120-160 bpm). A mild systolic murmur is also not uncommon in newborns and may be benign, especially in the first few days of life. Murmurs are often transient and can be caused by normal circulatory changes as the newborn's cardiovascular system adjusts after birth. Although a heart murmur should be monitored, it is not typically an urgent concern unless associated with signs of poor perfusion or other cardiac symptoms.
D) Small white papules on nose and chin:
These small white papules are likely milia, which are common and harmless in newborns. Milia are keratin-filled cysts that typically appear on the face, especially around the nose and chin. They are a normal finding and resolve on their own without treatment. These papules do not require immediate action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Mother Rh-, baby Rh+:
RhoGAM (Rh immune globulin) is administered to a mother who is Rh-negative and has delivered a baby who is Rh-positive. If the Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood (via the baby’s blood during delivery), her immune system may start producing antibodies against Rh-positive cells, which could affect future pregnancies. The RhoGAM injection works by preventing the mother from developing these antibodies, thereby protecting any subsequent pregnancies from hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in which the mother’s antibodies attack the baby’s red blood cells. This is a crucial preventive measure to avoid sensitization to Rh-positive blood.
B) Mother Rh-, baby Rh-:
If both the mother and baby are Rh-negative, there is no concern about the development of antibodies because there is no exposure to Rh-positive blood. Therefore, RhoGAM is not necessary in this situation.
C) Mother Rh+, baby Rh+:
In this scenario, the mother is Rh-positive, so she cannot develop antibodies against Rh-positive blood, regardless of the baby's Rh status. Hence, RhoGAM is not required because there is no risk of Rh incompatibility.
D) Mother Rh+, baby Rh-:
Since the mother is Rh-positive, there is no risk of her immune system attacking an Rh-negative baby’s red blood cells. Thus, RhoGAM is not needed in this case either.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Postpartum blues are transient and usually occur within the first week after delivery:
Postpartum blues, also known as "baby blues," are common and generally transient. They typically occur within the first few days to a week after delivery and can last for a few days to a week or two. Symptoms may include mood swings, irritability, crying, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. These feelings are normal and typically resolve without the need for medical intervention. It's important for the nurse to provide reassurance that this is a common experience for many new mothers and that it is usually temporary.
B) Medications are available to relieve the symptoms:
While medications may be necessary for more severe postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, they are not typically required for postpartum blues. Since postpartum blues are mild and transient, most women do not need medications. Psychosocial support and rest are usually sufficient. Medications, especially antidepressants, are considered for women who develop postpartum depression, which is more persistent and severe than postpartum blues.
C) The father may become sad and weepy:
While fathers can experience emotional changes during the postpartum period, the phenomenon of postpartum blues is specific to the mother due to the hormonal and physiological changes related to childbirth and breastfeeding. Fathers may experience mood changes due to the stresses of parenthood, but postpartum blues is typically not recognized as a condition affecting men. However, men can experience postpartum depression or anxiety, which warrants different attention and support.
D) Very few women experience postpartum blues:
On the contrary, postpartum blues is very common, affecting a large percentage of women after childbirth. Studies show that 50-80% of women experience some form of postpartum blues. This makes the statement incorrect. It's important to normalize the experience and emphasize that it is a common and temporary reaction to the changes associated with childbirth.
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.