The nurse is performing a newborn assessment. Which symptom, if present in a newborn, would indicate respiratory distress?
Flaring of the nares
Shallow and irregular respirations
Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute
Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement
The Correct Answer is A
A. Flaring of the nares:
Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of respiratory distress in newborns. It indicates that the infant is working harder to breathe and is attempting to increase the size of the nostrils to get more air.
B. Shallow and irregular respirations:
Shallow and irregular respirations can be a sign of respiratory distress, but flaring of the nares is a more specific and immediate indication.
C. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute:
While a respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute might be within the normal range for a newborn, the overall clinical picture, including other signs of distress, should be considered.
D. Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement:
Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement is not a normal pattern for a newborn and could indicate respiratory distress.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Flaring of the nares:
Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of respiratory distress in newborns. It indicates that the infant is working harder to breathe and is attempting to increase the size of the nostrils to get more air.
B. Shallow and irregular respirations:
Shallow and irregular respirations can be a sign of respiratory distress, but flaring of the nares is a more specific and immediate indication.
C. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute:
While a respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute might be within the normal range for a newborn, the overall clinical picture, including other signs of distress, should be considered.
D. Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement:
Abdominal breathing with synchronous chest movement is not a normal pattern for a newborn and could indicate respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Level of pain sensation:
This is important for assessing the effectiveness of the epidural anesthesia, but it's not the most critical assessment immediately after administration.
Variability of fetal heart rate:
Monitoring fetal heart rate is always important, but immediately following epidural administration, the maternal blood pressure is a more immediate concern.
Maternal blood pressure:
This is the most critical assessment after epidural administration. Epidurals can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may affect blood flow to the baby.
Station of presenting part:
The station of the presenting part (the position of the baby's head in relation to the ischial spines) is important for assessing progress in labor, but it's not the most crucial assessment immediately after epidural administration.
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