Prep-U Study questions Unit #6

A 20-year-old client gave birth to a baby boy at 43 weeks' gestation. What might the nurse observe in the newborn during routine assessment?

The newborn may look wrinkled and old at birth. Explanation: Postterm babies are those born past 42 weeks' gestation. These babies often appear wrinkled and old at birth. They often have long fingernails and hair, dry parched skin, and no vernix caseosa. Both the quantity of lanugo and the amount of vernix decrease with gestational age. Undescended testes are usually not seen in postterm newborns; however, they are highly prevalent in preterm infants.

A woman who has given birth to a postterm newborn asks the nurse why her baby looks so thin with so little muscle. The nurse integrates understanding about which concept when responding to the mother? You Selected:

With postterm birth, the fetus uses stored nutrients to stay alive, and wasting occurs. Explanation: After 42 weeks' gestation, the placenta loses its ability to provide adequate oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, causing the fetus to use stored nutrients to stay alive. This leads to wasting. Meconium aspiration can occur with postterm newborns, but this is not the reason for the baby's wasted appearance. Hyperbilirubinemia occurs with the increased breakdown of red blood cells, but this too would not account for the wasted appearance. Exposure to an intrauterine infection is unrelated to the wasted appearance.

A client gives birth to a newborn baby at term. The nurse records the weight of the baby as 1,200 g, interpreting this to indicate that the newborn is of:

very low birth weight. Explanation: A birth weight of 1,200 g would be classified as very-low-birth-weight. A normal birth weight at term ranges between 2,500 g and 4,000 g. Typically it is between 3,000 g and 4,000 g. A birth weight below 2,500 g is termed a low-birth-weight. A birth weight between 1,000 g and 1,500 g is termed a very-low-birth-weight. A birth weight less than 1,000 g is termed an extremely-low-birth-weight.

Neonatal screening is done before the infant leaves the hospital. Blood is drawn through a heel stick and tested for several disorders that can cause lifelong disabilities. When is the ideal time to collect this specimen?

24 hours after the newborn's first protein feeding Explanation: The laws in most states require this initial screening, which is done within 72 hours of birth. The ideal time to collect the specimen is after the newborn is 36 hours old and 24 hours after he has his first protein feeding.

The nurse is explaining to the parents about the various laboratory tests which will be conducted on their newborn. The nurse should point out that testing for phenylketonuria will be conducted in which time frame?

24 to 72 hours after birth. Explanation: PKU is an inherited disease involving a specific enzyme necessary in the production of amino acids. Without this enzyme, phenylalanine builds up in the blood and can lead to serious consequences, such as brain damage. Phenylketonuria testing measures the amount of phenylalanine present in the blood. The infant must have taken breast milk or formula for an abnormal amount to be present. The blood sample is obtained via a heel stick and is best conducted 2 to 3 days after birth, allowing time for the infant to eat. The main treatment for this condition is life-long dietary restrictions, so it needs to be identified quickly so appropriate care can be started

A nurse is assessing a newborn and obtains the newborn's head circumference. The head circumference is 35 cm. The nurse then measures the newborn's chest circumference. Which chest circumference measurement would the nurse document as expected and within normal parameters?

33 cm Explanation: The average chest circumference is 30 to 36 cm (12 to 14 in). It is generally equal to or about 2 to 3 cm less than the head circumference.

A nurse is assessing a newborn's temperature. Which reading would the nurse document as normal?

37.0° C (98.6° F) Explanation: On average a newborn's temperature ranges from 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.9° F to 99.7° F).

The nurse is checking on a newborn who was circumcised 2 hours ago using a Plastibell. Which intervention would be inappropriate for this client?

Apply petroleum gauze to the penis with each diaper change. Explanation: When a newborn is circumcised using a Plastibell, petroleum gauze is not used since the Plastibell protects the glans of the penis until it is healed. All other interventions are appropriate.

Which intervention would be the best way for the nurse to prevent heat loss in a newborn while bathing

Bathe the baby under a radiant warmer. Explanation: Bathing a newborn under a radiant warmer helps to prevent heat loss. To minimize the effects of cold stress during the bath, the nurse should also prewarm blankets, dry the child completely to prevent heat loss from evaporation, encourage skin-to-skin contact with the mother, promote early breastfeeding, used heated and humidified oxygen, and defer bathing until the newborn is medically stable. Limiting the length of time spent bathing the baby is secondary to maintaining the baby's body temperature. Having warm water is also important but is irrelevant if the baby is not kept warm under a warmer.

Which action would be priority for the nurse to complete immediately after the delivery of a 40-week gestation newborn? You Selected:

Dry the newborn and place it skin-to-skin on mother. Explanation: Thermoregulation is priority immediately following delivery and is best achieved by keeping the newborn warm and dry. This can be accomplished by drying the newborn and placing it skin-to-skin with the mother. The newborn should be dried before being swaddled and placed in the bassinet. A complete assessment needs to be done within 2 hours of delivery and glucose isn't routinely assessed

The nurse is caring for a newborn who was delivered via a planned cesarean delivery. The nurse determines the infant requires closer monitoring than a vaginal delivery infant based on which factor?

Excessive fluid in its lungs, making respiratory adaptation more challenging. Explanation: During a vaginal birth the infant is squeezed by uterine contractions, which squeeze fluid out of the lungs and prepare them for breathing. The infant who is born via cesarean delivery without labor first does not have the mechanical removal of the fluid from the lungs. This places the infant at increased risk for respiratory compromise, so there is a need to more closely assess a newborn after birth. The lungs should inflate once the baby is delivered and not wait until the amniotic fluid is absorbed. The umbilical cord is not clamped until the infant is out of the womb and starts to take its first breaths.

A nurse is aware that the newborn's neuromuscular maturity assessment is typically completed within 24 hours after birth. Which assessment would the nurse be least likely to complete to determine the newborn's degree of maturity? You Selected:

Moro reflex Explanation: There are six activities or maneuvers that are evaluated to determine the newborn's degree of neuromuscular maturity: posture, square window, arm recoil, popliteal angle, scarf sign, heel-to-ear. The Moro reflex is an indication of the newborn's neurologic status.

A client is worried that her newborn's stools are greenish, with an unpleasant odor. The newborn is being formula-fed. What instruction should the nurse give this client? You Selected:

No action is need; this is normal. Explanation: The nurse should tell the client not to worry because it is perfectly normal for the stools of a formula-fed newborn to be greenish, loose, pasty, or formed in consistency, with an unpleasant odor. There is no need to change the formula, increase the newborn's fluid intake, or switch from formula to breast milk.

The nurse is assessing a 3-day-old infant. The infant's sclerae have a yellow tinge as do the infant's forehead and nose. What would the nurse do next?

Obtain a transcutaneous bilirubin level. Explanation: Following visual identification of jaundice, the blood level of circulating bilirubin needs to be measured either by a transcutaneous bilirubin meter or a blood draw for a bilirubin level. Until the level of bilirubin in the blood is known to be elevated, neither phototherapy nor an exchange transfusion would be implemented. A metabolic panel is not useful in determining the level of neonatal jaundice.

A nurse is assessing the temperature of a newborn using a skin temperature probe. Which point should the nurse keep in mind while taking the newborn's temperature? You Selected:

Place the temperature probe over the liver. Explanation: The nurse should place the temperature probe over the newborn's liver. Skin temperature probes should not be placed over a bony area like the forehead or used in an open bassinet with no heat source. The newborn should be in a supine or side-lying position.

The nurse is assessing a newborn by auscultating the heart and lungs. Which natural phenomenon will the nurse explain to the parents is happening in the cardiovascular system?

Pressure changes occur and result in closure of the ductus arteriosus. Explanation: The ductus arteriosus is one of the openings through which there was fetal circulation. At birth, or within the first few days, this closes and the heart becomes the source of movement of blood to and from the lungs. The exchange of oxygen in the lungs and increasing oxygen content in the blood are respiratory functions. The removal of the fluid from the alveoli occurs mainly during the birthing process and is completed by the lungs after birth.

An 18-year-old client has given birth at 28 weeks' gestation and her newborn is showing signs of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Which statement is true for a newborn with RDS?

RDS is caused by a lack of alveolar surfactant. Explanation: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a serious breathing disorder caused by a lack of alveolar surfactant. Betamethasone, a glucocorticoid, is often given to the mother 12 to 24 hours before a preterm birth to help reduce the severity of RDS, not to the newborn following birth. Respiratory symptoms in the newborn with RDS typically worsen, not improve, within a short period of time after birth. Diagnosis of RDS is made based on a chest X-ray and the clinical symptoms of increasing respiratory distress, crackles, generalized cyanosis, and heart rates exceeding 150 beats per minute (not below 50 beats per minute).

A client at 6 weeks' gestation asks the nurse what foods she should eat to help prevent neural tube disorders in her growing baby. The nurse would recommend which foods?

Spinach, oranges, and beans Explanation: Folic acid assists in preventing the incidence of neural tube disorders. These foods include green, leafy vegetables; citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads; cereals, rice, and pasta. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are high in calcium. Bananas, avocados, and coconut are high in potassium. Pork, beans, and poultry are high in iron.

The nurse realizes the educational session conducted on due dates was successful when a participant is overheard making which statement?

The ability of my placenta to provide adequate oxygen and nutrients to my baby after 42 weeks' gestation is thought to be compromised." Explanation: The ability of the placenta to provide adequate oxygen and nutrients to the fetus after 42 weeks' gestation is thought to be compromised, leading to perinatal mortality and morbidity. After 42 weeks the placenta begins aging. Deposits of fibrin and calcium, along with hemorrhagic infarcts, occur and the placental blood vessels begin to degenerate. All of these changes affect diffusion of oxygen to the fetus. As the placenta loses its ability to nourish the fetus, the fetus uses stored nutrients to stay alive, and wasting occurs.

The nurse observes a neonate born at 28 weeks' gestation. Which finding would the nurse expect to see?

The pinna of the ear is soft and flat and stays folded. Explanation: The ear has a soft pinna that is flat and stays folded. Pale skin with no vessels showing through and 7 to 10 mm of breast tissue are characteristic of a neonate at 40 weeks' gestation. Creases on the anterior two-thirds of the sole are characteristic of a neonate at 36 weeks' gestation. Reference:

A preterm infant is experiencing cold stress after birth. For which symptom should the nurse assess to best validate the problem?

apnea Explanation: Preterm newborns are at a greater risk for cold stress than term or postterm newborns. Cold stress can cause hypoglycemia, increased respiratory distress and apnea, and metabolic acidosis. Preterm infants lack the ability to shiver in response to cold stress.

The nurse suspects a preterm newborn receiving enteral feedings of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). What assessment finding best correlates with this diagnosis?

bloody stools Explanation: NEC assessment includes assessing the newborn's health history and physical examination as well as laboratory and diagnostic testing. The onset of NEC is demonstrated by the development of feeding intolerance, abdominal distention, and bloody stools in a preterm infant receiving enteral feedings. As the disease worsens, the infant develops signs and symptoms of septic shock with RDS, temperature instability, lethargy, hypotension, and oliguria

As a part of the newborn assessment, the nurse examines the infant's skin. Which nursing observation would warrant further investigation? You Selected:

bright red, raised bumpy area noted above the right eye Explanation: A red bumpy area noted above the right eye is a hemangioma and needs further investigation to determine whether the hemangioma could interfere with the infant's vision. They may grow larger during the first year then fade and usually disappear by age 9. Stork bites or salmon patches and blue or purple splotches on buttocks (congenital dermal melanocytosis (slate gray nevi) are common skin variations and are not concerning. Erythema toxicum, seen as a fine red rash over the chest and back, is also a normal skin variant that will disappear within a few days.

Forces of contractions, mild asphyxia, increased intracranial pressure, and cold stress all play a role in the newborn transition by releasing which critical component? You Selected:

catecholamines Explanation: The physical forces of contractions at labor, mild asphyxia, increased intracranial pressure, and cold stress immediately experienced after birth lead to an increased release of catecholamines, which is critical for the changes involved in the transition to extrauterine life.

When providing postpartum teaching to a couple, the nurse correctly identifies what time as when pathologic jaundice may be found in the newborn?

during the first 24 hours of life Explanation: Pathologic jaundice occurs within the first 24 hours of life and is often related to blood incompatibility. Conversely, physiologic jaundice occurs 48 hours or more after birth, peaks at the 5th to 7th day, and disappears between the 7th and 10th day postpartum. Physiologic jaundice is caused by the normal reduction of red blood cells and occurs in both breastfed and bottle-fed babies.

A new mother asks the nurse why her baby's back and groin have a red and raised rash. The nurses uses which term to correctly identify this condition

erythema toxicum Explanation: Erythema toxicum is a rash of unknown cause, with pink papules and superimposed vesicles. It appears within 24 to 48 hours after birth and resolves spontaneously in a few days. Acrocyanosis is a blue color of the hands and feet appearing in most infants at birth. Acrocyanosis may persist for 7 to 10 days. Yeast is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans; it usually manifests in the groin. The rash of C. albicans is excoriated and does not disappear without treatment. The presentation described in this scenario is not consistent with that of mumps.

A 12-hour-old infant is receiving IV fluids for polycythemia. For which complication should a nurse monitor this client?

fluid overload Explanation: The possibility of fluid overload is increased and must be considered by a nurse when administering IV therapy to a newborn. IV therapy does not significantly increase heart rate or change blood pressure, as well as the level of consciousness, unless fluid overload occurs.

A new mother is concerned that the infant is not eating enough and will not have enough energy. The nurse explains that storage of which substance will provide energy for the first 24 hours after birth?

glucose Explanation: Glucose is the main source of energy for the first several hours after birth. With the newborn's increased energy needs after birth, the liver releases glucose from glycogen stores for the first 24 hours. Stored protein, brown fat, or carbohydrate are not associated with energy production in the newborn.

A client has given birth to a small-for-gestation-age (SGA) newborn. Which finding would the nurse expect to assess?

head larger than body Explanation: A small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborn will typically have a head that is larger than the rest of his or her body. SGA newborns weigh below the 10th percentile on the intrauterine growth chart for gestational age. They have an angular and pinched face and not a rounded and flushed face. Round flushed face and protuberant abdomen are the characteristic features of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns. Preterm newborns, and not SGA newborns, are covered with brown lanugo hair all over the body.

A client asks the nurse what surfactant is. Which explanation would the nurse give as the main role of surfactant in the neonate?

helps the lungs remain expanded after the initiation of breathing Explanation: Surfactant works by reducing surface tension in the lung, which allows the lung to remain slightly expanded, decreasing the amount of work required for inspiration. Surfactant has not been shown to influence ciliary body maturation, clearing of the respiratory tract, or regulation of the neonate's breathing pattern. Reference:

The nurse explains to the parents of a 2-day-old newborn that decreased life span of neonatal red blood cells has contributed to which complication

hyperbilirubinemia Explanation: Neonatal red blood cells have a life span of 80 to 100 days and normally have a higher count at birth. This combination leads to increased hemolysis. Complications of this process include hyperbilirubinemia. Reference:

Which assessment finding by the nurse would indicate that a neonate is being comforted?

increased oxygen saturation Explanation: Pulse oximetry can be used to help the nurse recognize when an infant is comforted by handling (e.g., oxygen saturation remains steady or increases) and when the infant is growing tired (e.g., oxygen saturation falls).

A nurse is describing the many changes a newborn will go through during his or her first couple of weeks after birth. The nurse explains how the functions of the placenta are taken over by which organ?

liver Explanation: At birth, the newborn's liver, not the intestine, cardiovascular system, or kidneys, assumes the functions that the placenta handled during fetal life. This includes iron storage, carbohydrate metabolism, blood coagulation, and conjugation of bilirubin

Meconium is the first stool passed in a newborn. What would be the correct documentation of the meconium?

sticky forest green Explanation: Meconium is usually a sticky, forest-green liquid. It contains bile acids, salts, and mucus. The other choices describe stool at various stages after the passage of meconium.

An infant born via a cesarean birth appears to be transitioning well; however, the nurse predicts that she will note which common assessment finding in this infant?

tachypnea Explanation: The infant born from a cesarean birth has not had the opportunity to exit the birth canal and experience the squeezing of fluid from the lungs. The lungs have more amniotic fluid than the lungs of a baby from a vaginal birth and are at greater risk for respiratory complications, such as tachypnea. An infant born by cesarean birth is not at increased risk for hyperthermia, hypoglycemia, or a cardiac murmur.

After completing a class for new parents, the nurse notes the session is successful when the class recognizes the newborn should be bathed how often?

two or three times per week Explanation: Bathing two or three times weekly is sufficient for the first year; more frequent bathing may dry the skin.

After completing an assessment of a newborn, the nurse determines that the newborn is small-for-gestational-age based on which weight assessment?

weight of 2,400 g Explanation: Small-for-gestational-age newborns typically weigh less than 2,500 g (5 lb 8 oz) at term due to less growth in utero than expected. Newborns who weigh from 2,500 g to 4,000 g (8 lb 13 oz) are considered appropriate for gestational age. Infants over 4,000 g are described as large-for-gestational-age newborns.

The nurse describes the changes in stool that a new mother would see when feeding her newborn formula. Which description best indicates what the mother would observe after several days?

yellow-green, pasty, unpleasant-smelling stool Explanation: The stool of formula-fed newborns varies depending on the type of formula ingested, but it typically is yellow, yellow-green, or greenish, loose, pasty, or formed with an unpleasant odor. Greenish-black tarry stool denotes meconium. Thin, yellowish, seedy brown stool characterizes the transitional stool that occurs after meconium. Sour-smelling yellowish-gold stool that is loose and stringy to pasty in consistency is typical of a breastfed newborn stool.

The nurse is providing teaching to a new mother who is breastfeeding. The mother demonstrates understanding of teaching when she identifies which characteristics as being true of the stool of breastfed newborns? Select all that apply.

yellowish gold color stringy to pasty consistency Explanation: The stools of a breastfed newborn are yellowish gold in color. They are not firm in shape or solid. The smell is usually sour. A formula-fed infant's stools are formed in consistency, whereas a breastfed infant's stools are stringy to pasty in consistency.

Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that a large-for-gestational-age newborn is developing hyperbilirubinemia?

tea-colored urine Explanation: Hyperbilirubinemia is associated with jaundice and tea-colored urine. Temperature instability, seizures, and feeble sucking suggest hypoglycemia. Reference:

The nurse has admitted a small-for-gestational-age infant (SGA) to the observation nursery from the birth room. Which action would the nurse prioritize in the newborn's care plan?

Closely monitor temperature. Explanation: Difficulty with thermoregulation in SGA newborns is common due to less muscle mass, less brown fat, less heat-preserving subcutaneous fat, and limited ability to control skin capillaries. The priority would be to closely monitor the newborn's temperature. It is also associated with depleted glycogen stores; therefore, this is hypoglycemia not hyperglycemia. Immaturity of CNS (temperature-regulating center) interferes with the ability to regulate body temperature. Intake and output monitoring and observing feeding are not the priority. Reference:

The nurse is assessing a newborn who appears healthy and at term. Which assessment finding of the feet does the nurse predict to observe to confirm the status of at-term birth?

Creases on two-thirds of the foot Explanation: As an infant matures in utero, sole creases become prominent to a greater amount. The term infant should have at least two-thirds of the foot covered by creases. These creases should be horizontal and not longitudinal, They should be in the ball of the foot before moving to the heel.

A common symptom that would alert the nurse that a preterm infant is developing respiratory distress syndrome is:

expiratory grunting. Explanation: Expiratory grunting is a physiologic measure to ensure alveoli do not fully close on expiration (so they require less energy expenditure to reopen).

Which finding is indicative of hypothermia of the preterm neonate?

nasal flaring Explanation: Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress. Neonates with hypothermia show signs of respiratory distress (cyanosis, increased respirations, low oxygen saturation, nasal flaring, and grunting). The other choices are normal findings. Reference:

A jaundiced neonate must have heel sticks to assess bilirubin levels. Which assessment findings would indicate that the neonate is in pain? Select all that apply.

Heart rate is 180 beats per minutes. Oxygen saturation level is 88%. The infant has facial grimacing and quivering chin. Explanation: Suspect pain if the newborn exhibits a sudden high-pitched cry; facial grimace is noted with furrowing of the brow and quivering of the chin with an increase in muscle tone when disturbed. Oxygen desaturation will be noted with an increase in heart rate. Increase in the normal blood pressure, pulse, and respiration are noted

What measures can a nurse take to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in a newborn? Select all that apply.

Initiate early and frequent breastfeeding. Dry the newborn off immediately after birth to prevent chilling. Begin skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care for the newborn. Explanation: By preventing hypothermia in a newborn, the chance of hypoglycemia is lessened since cold stress causes a newborn to burn more calories. Feedings should also begin early, with either breast milk or formula. Glucose water does not provide enough glucose for the newborn. Skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care keeps the newborn in a thermoneutral environment.

The nurse is caring for a newborn after the parents have spent time bonding. As the nurse performs the assessment and evidence-based care, which eye care will the nurse prioritize?

Instill 0.5% ophthalmic erythromycin. Explanation: The standard eye care to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum is 0.5% erythromycin ointment or 1% tetracycline eye drops. Although 1% silver nitrate drops were once used, it has been discontinued due to its ineffectiveness. The nurse would not wait to see if the eyes show signs of irritation before administering the medication. Delaying could lead to preventable blindness.

The nursing student is preparing a presentation illustrating the effects of hypoglycemia on an infant. Which signs or symptoms should the student be sure to include in the presentation? Select all that apply.

Jitteriness Lethargy Seizures Explanation: Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia in newborns can include jitteriness, lethargy, cyanosis, apnea, high-pitched or weak cry, hypothermia, and poor feeding. Respiratory distress, apnea, seizures, and coma are late signs of hypoglycemia. If hypoglycemia is prolonged or is left untreated, serious, long-term adverse neurologic sequelae such as learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities can occur.

A nurse from the neonatal intensive care unit is called to the birth room for an infant requiring resuscitation. After placing the newborn in the sniffing position what would the nurse do next?

Suction the mouth then the nose. Explanation: ABCDs of newborn resuscitation include: airway maintenance by placing infant's head in "sniffing" position; suction the mouth, then the nose; suction the trachea if meconium-stained and newborn is NOT vigorous (strong respiratory effort, good muscle tone, and heart rate 100 bpm). Breathing is assisted through the use of positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) for apnea, or pulse 100 bpm. The nurse should ventilate at rate of 40 to 60 breaths/minute. Listen for raising heart rate and audible breath sounds. Look for slight chest movement with each breath. Use carbon dioxide detector after intubation. The nurse should use circulation assistance through compressions if heart rate is 60 after 30 seconds of effective PPV. Give 3 compressions: 1 breath every 2 seconds. Compress one third of the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest.

The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a newborn born 2 hours ago. The nurse notes that the newborn was born at 35 weeks' gestation. How would the nurse classify this newborn?

late preterm Explanation: A late preterm infant is one born between 34 to 36 weeks of gestation. A very preterm infant is one born between 28 and 32 weeks' gestation. A full-term infant is one born between 38 to 41 weeks' gestation. A postterm newborn is one born at 42 weeks' gestation or later.

What would the nurse suspect as a cause of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) after reviewing the maternal history of a client whose newborn is diagnosed with MAS?

maternal hypertension Explanation: The nurse would review prenatal and birth records to identify newborns that may be at high risk for meconium aspiration. Predisposing factors for meconium aspiration syndrome include drug exposure during pregnancy, maternal hypertension or diabetes; oligohydramnios; fetal growth restriction; prolapsed cord; or acute or chronic placental insufficiency. Factors that promote the passage in utero include placental insufficiency, maternal hypertension, preeclampsia, fetal hypoxia, transient umbilical compression, oligohydramnios, and drug exposure during pregnancy, especially exposure to tobacco and cocaine.

Which statement made by a new nurse indicates additional teaching is needed on the topic of hyperbilirubinemia (physiologic jaundice) in newborns? You Selected:

"Breastfed babies need supplements of glucose water to help lower bilirubin levels." Explanation: Physiologic jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) is characterized by a yellowish skin, mucous membranes, and sclera that occurs within the first 3 days of life. Physiologic jaundice is caused by accelerated destruction of fetal RBCs that have a shortened life span (80 days compared with the adult 120 days). Normally the liver removes bilirubin (the by-product of RBC destruction) from the blood and changes it into a form that can be excreted. As the red blood cell breakdown continues at a fast pace, the newborn's liver cannot keep up with bilirubin removal. Thus, bilirubin accumulates in the blood, causing the characteristic signs of physiologic jaundice. Expose the newborn to natural sunlight for short periods of time throughout the day to help oxidize the bilirubin deposits on the skin. Glucose water supplementation should be avoided since it hinders elimination

The nurse assesses a post-term newborn. What finding corresponds with this gestational age diagnosis? You Selected:

meconium-stained skin and fingernails Explanation: Postterm newborns typically exhibit the following characteristics: dry, cracked, peeling, wrinkled skin; vernix caseosa and lanugo are absent; long, thin extremities; creases that cover the entire soles of the feet; abundant hair on scalp; thin umbilical cord; long fingernails; limited vernix and lanugo; and meconium-stained skin and fingernails.

A nurse needs to monitor the blood glucose levels of a newborn under observation at a health care facility. When should the nurse check the newborn's initial glucose level?

on admission to the nursery Explanation: Typically, a newborn's blood glucose levels are assessed with use of a heel stick sample of blood on admission to the nursery, not 4 or 24 hours after admission to the nursery. It is also not necessary or even reasonable to check the glucose level only after the newborn has been fed.

A nurse is teaching a new mother about how newborns regulate their temperature. As part of the teaching, the nurse explains brown fat. Which information would the nurse include? Select all that apply.

Brown fat is brown and rich in blood vessels and nerve endings. The newborn keeps itself warm by oxidizing brown fat in response to exposure to the cold. Only mature newborns have brown fat. The most common places to find brown fat are the scapulae, neck, mediastinum, and areas near the kidneys and adrenals. Explanation: Brown fat, a special tissue found in mature newborns, helps to conserve or produce body heat by increasing metabolism as well as regulating body temperature similar to that of a hibernating animal. The greatest amounts of brown fat are found in the intrascapular region, the thorax, and behind the kidneys and makes up 2% to 6% of a term newborn's body weight. It is brown in color and rich in blood vessels and nerve endings. The newborn will oxidize the brown fat in response to exposure to the cold and help warm up their body.

A 30-minute-old newborn starts crying in a high-pitched manner and cannot be consoled by the mother. Which action should the nurse prioritize if jitteriness is also noted and the infant is unable to breastfeed?

Check blood glucose. Explanation: One of the primary signs/symptoms of hypoglycemia in newborn infants is jitteriness and irritability. Anytime an infant is suspected of having hypoglycemia, the nurse needs to check the blood glucose level. Cold stress and pain are potential considerations to rule out if hypoglycemia is not the cause; however, jitteriness is not a recognized sign of these.

The nurse is assessing a newborn, 4 hours old, weighing 9 lbs, 2 oz (4088 g). While doing the initial assessment the RN mentioned that the mother's history reveals gestational hypertension. Which assessment findings should the nurse prioritize as the newborn is continued to be monitored?

Jitteriness and irritability Explanation: Infants born to women gestational hypertension are at a greater risk for developing hypoglycemia. Early signs of hypoglycemia in the newborn include jitteriness, poor feeding, listlessness (not frequent activity), irritability, low temperature (not fever), weak or high-pitched cry, and hypotonia (not hypertonia)

A nurse is assessing a preterm newborn. The nurse determines that the newborn is comfortable and without pain based on which finding?

lack of body posturing Explanation: The newborn may be in pain if the following are exhibited: sudden high-pitched cry; facial grimace with furrowing of brown and quivering chin; increased muscle tone; oxygen desaturation; body posturing, such as squirming, kicking, and arching; limb withdrawal and thrashing movements; increase in heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, and respirations; fussiness and irritability.

A nursing mother calls the nurse and is upset. She states that her newborn son just bit her when he was nursing. Upon examining the newborn's mouth, two precocious teeth are noted on the lower central portion of the gums. What would be the nurse's best response?

"Precocious teeth can occur at birth but we may need to remove them to prevent aspiration." Explanation: Precocious or natal teeth occur infrequently but need to be addressed when they are present. They may cause the mother discomfort when nursing and pumping may be needed initially until the mother can condition the newborn not to bite. Precocious teeth are often loose and need to be removed to prevent aspiration. Even if they are not loose, they are often removed due to them causing ulcerations on the newborn's tongue from irritation. They will not just fall out and are not the newborn's actual baby teeth that are just coming in early.

A nurse is called into the room of one of the clients where the grandparents are visiting. The grandmother is visibly upset, and says "Just look at my grandson! His head is all soft and swollen here and it shouldn't be. The doctor injured him when he was born." The nurse assesses the newborn and finds an area of swelling about the size of a half-dollar at the center of the upper scalp. The nurse determines this finding is most likely which condition? You Selected:

Caput succedaneum Explanation: Caput succedaneum is swelling of the soft tissue of the scalp caused by pressure of the presenting part on a partially dilated cervix or trauma from a vacuum-assisted delivery. This finding is often of concern for the families. Reassure them that the caput will decrease in a few days without treatment. Increased intracranial pressure would involve the entire scalp and not just a small portion. There would also be other neurologic signs accompanying it. Molding is an elongated head shape caused by overlapping of the cranial bones as the fetus moves through the birth canal. This will also resolve in a few days without treatment. The Harlequin sign is characterized by a clown-suit-like appearance of the newborn where the skin is dark red on one side of the body and the other side is pale. This is a harmless condition which occurs most frequently with vigorous crying or with the infant lying on his or her side. Reference:

The nurse is assisting with the admission of a newborn to the nursery. The nurse notes what appears to be bruising on the left upper outer thigh of this dark-skinned newborn. Which documentation should the nurse provide?

Congenital dermal melanocytosis (slate gray nevi) noted on left upper outer thigh. Explanation: A congenital dermal melanocytosis (slate gray nevi, previously known as Mongolian spot) is bluish-black areas of discoloration on the back and buttocks or extremities of dark-skinned newborns. The Harlequin sign refers to the dilation of blood vessels on only one side of the body, giving the newborn the appearance of wearing a clown suit. Mottling occurs when the lips, hands, and feet appear blue from immature peripheral circulation. Birth trauma is a possibility; however, there would be notations of an incident and possibly other injuries would be noted.

The nurse walks into a client's room and notes a small fan blowing on the mother as she holds her infant. The nurse should explain this can result in the infant losing body heat based on which mechanism?

Convection Explanation: There are four main ways that a newborn loses heat; convection is one of the four and occurs when cold air blows over the body of the infant resulting in a cooling to the infant. Conductive heat loss occurs when the newborn's skin touches a cold surface, causing body heat to transfer to the colder object. Heat loss occurs by radiation to a cold object that is close to, but not touching, the newborn. Evaporative heat loss happens when the newborn's skin is wet. As the moisture evaporates from the body surface, the newborn loses body heat along with the moisture. The cold air blowing on the infant's skin will cause heat loss.

At birth, a term infant has irregular respirations and a weak cry. What is the sequence of events initiated by the nurse when caring for this infant?

Dry the infant, stimulate the infant, and keep the infant warm. Explanation: Dry the infant to prevent evaporative heat loss. Stimulate the infant by rubbing the side of the back to stimulate respiratory effort. Provide the thermal-neutral environment to prevent cold stress, which can cause respiratory distress. Until the infant's respiratory effort is stimulated and established, blow-by oxygen is not effective in establishing regular respirations.

The nurse is concerned that the nares of a newborn are not patent bilaterally. What can the nurse do to address this concern

Occlude the nares one at a time by applying pressure to each side to see if the newborn can breath comfortably. Explanation: If a nurse is concerned that the nostrils are patent in a newborn, the nurse will occlude the nares one at a time to see if the newborn can breath easily. The nurse would never place something like a swab into the nares to check patency due to potential trauma. Nasal flaring is an abnormal finding and indicates respiratory distress, not ease of breathing. Passing an NG tube is traumatic to the newborn and is not needed in most cases.

A nurse removes and discards a newborn's diaper before placing the newborn on the scales for a daily weight. The nurse realizes there are no clean diapers at the scale. The supply closet is located down the hallway. What will the nurse do?

Place newborn in the bassinet and cover with blanket while obtaining diapers. Explanation: The nurse will cover the newborn to maintain temperature and place the infant in the bassinet while obtaining more diapers. The nurse would not leave to newborn on the scales and walk away, because the newborn could fall off the scale. Current policy prevents the nurse from carrying the newborn while going to the supply closet to obtain more diapers because this is a fall risk or safety issue. Infection control measures dictate that there is no sharing of supplies between newborn

A nurse is assigned to care for a newborn with hyperbilirubinemia. The newborn is relatively large in size and shows signs of listlessness. What most likely occurred?

The infant's mother probably had diabetes. Explanation: The nurse should know that the infant's mother more than likely had/has diabetes. The large size of the infant born to a mother with diabetes is secondary to exposure to high levels of maternal glucose crossing the placenta into the fetal circulation. Common problems among infants of mothers with diabetes include macrosomia, respiratory distress syndrome, birth trauma, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and congenital anomalies. Listlessness is also a common symptom noted in these infants. Infants born to clients who use alcohol during pregnancy, infants who have experienced birth traumas, or infants whose mothers have had long labors are not known to exhibit these particular characteristics, although these conditions do not produce very positive pregnancy outcomes. Infants with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or alcohol exposure during pregnancy do not usually have hypoglycemia problems.

What physical change does not contribute to the impetus for a full-term newborn to begin breathing following birth?

The respiratory center in the brain is stimulated by the noise around the newborn. Explanation: Once the umbilical cord of a newborn is cut, there is a chemical change that stimulates the respiratory center of the brain caused by a decrease in oxygen and a rise in carbon dioxide levels. The respiratory center is not stimulated by noise surrounding the newborn. A change in environmental temperature and being touched directly for the first time also serve as stimulants for breathing. Reference:

A nurse is analyzing a journal article that explains the changes at birth from fetal to newborn circulation. The nurse can point out the closure of the ductus arteriosus is related to which event after completing the article?

higher oxygen content of the circulating blood Explanation: The first few breaths greatly increase the oxygen content of circulating blood. This chemical change (i.e., higher oxygen content of the blood) contributes to the closing of the ductus arteriosus, which eventually becomes a ligament. A drop in the pressure results in a reversal of pressures in the right and left atria, causing the foramen ovale to close, which redirects blood to the lungs. A drop in blood pressure and higher oxygen levels at the respiratory centers of the brain do not result in the closure of the foramen ovale.

The nurse is explaining to new parents that a potential complication of a cesarean birth is transient tachypnea of the newborn. The nurse explains that this is due to which occurrence?

lack of thoracic compressions during birth Explanation: A baby born by cesarean birth does not have the same benefit of the birth canal squeeze as does the newborn born by vaginal birth. This may result in the fluid in the lungs being removed too slowly or incompletely. Research findings support the need for thoracic compression to assist with the removal of the fluid and facilitate adequate breathing in the newborn. Reference:

A newborn is passing greenish-black stool of tarry consistency. The nursing student correctly identifies this type of stool as:

meconium stool. Explanation: Meconium is a newborn's first stool. It is composed of amniotic fluid, shed mucosal cells, intestinal secretions, and blood. Breastfed newborns will pass stools that are yellow-gold, loose, and stringy to pasty in consistency. A formula-fed newborn will have stools that are yellow, yellow-green, or greenish and loose, pasty, or formed in consistency based upon the type of formula.