OB/Peds Exam 2

When assessing the term newborn, the following are observed: newborn is alert, heart and respiratory rates have stabilized, and meconium has been passed. The nurse determines that the newborn is exhibiting behaviors indicating: a. Initial period of reactivity b. Second period of reactivity c. Decreased responsiveness period d. Period of sleep

B

Assessment of a newborn reveals uneven gluteal (buttocks) skin creases and a "clunk" when Ortolani's maneuver is performed. Which of the following would the nurse suspect? A) Slipping of the periosteal joint B) Developmental hip dysplasia C) Normal newborn variation D) Overriding of the pelvic bone

B A "clunk" indicates the femoral head hitting the acetabulum as the head reenters the area. This, along with uneven gluteal creases, suggests developmental hip dysplasia. These findings are not a normal variation and are not associated with slipping of the periosteal joint or overriding of the pelvic bone.

Just after delivery, a newborn's axillary temperature is 94 degrees F. What action would be most appropriate? A) Assess the newborn's gestational age. B) Rewarm the newborn gradually. C) Observe the newborn every hour. D) Notify the physician if the temperature goes lower.

B A newborn's temperature is typically maintained at 36.5 to 37.5 degrees C (97.7 to 99.7 degrees F). Since this newborn's temperature is significantly lower, the nurse should institute measures to rewarm the newborn gradually. Assessment of gestational age is completed regardless of the newborn's temperature. Observation would be inappropriate because lack of action may lead to a further lowering of the temperature. The nurse should notify the physician of the newborn's current temperature since it is outside normal parameters.

The parents of a newborn become concerned when they notice that their baby seems to stop breathing for a few seconds. After confirming the parents' findings by observing the newborn, which of the following actions would be most appropriate? A) Notify the health care provider immediately. B) Assess the newborn for signs of respiratory distress. C) Reassure the parents that this is an expected pattern. D) Tell the parents not to worry since his color is fine.

B Although periods of apnea of less than 20 seconds can occur, the nurse needs to gather additional information about the newborn's respiratory status to determine if this finding is indicative of a developing problem. Therefore, the nurse would need to assess for signs of respiratory distress. Once this information is obtained, then the nurse can notify the health care provider or explain that this finding is an expected one. However, it would be inappropriate to tell the parents not to worry, because additional information is needed. Also, telling them not to worry ignores their feelings and is not therapeutic.

A new mother is changing the diaper of her 20-hour-old newborn and asks why the stool is almost black. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) "You probably took iron during your pregnancy." B) "This is meconium stool, normal for a newborn." C) "I'll take a sample and check it for possible bleeding." D) "This is unusual and I need to report this."

B Meconium is greenish-black and tarry and usually passed within 12 to 24 hours of birth. This is a normal finding. Iron can cause stool to turn black, but this would not be the case here. The stool is a normal occurrence and does not need to be checked for blood or reported.

During a physical assessment of a newborn, the nurse observes bluish markings across the newborn's lower back. The nurse interprets this finding as: A) Milia B) Mongolian spots C) Stork bites D) Birth trauma

B Mongolian spots are blue or purple splotches that appear on the lower back and buttocks of newborns. Milia are unopened sebaceous glands frequently found on a newborn's nose. Stork bites are superficial vascular areas found on the nape of the neck and eyelids and between the eyes and upper lip. Birth trauma would be manifested by bruising, swelling, and possible deformity.

Assessment of a newborn reveals rhythmic spontaneous movements. The nurse interprets this as indicating: A) Habituation B) Motor maturity C) Orientation D) Social behaviors

B Motor maturity is evidenced by rhythmic, spontaneous movements. Habituation is manifested by the newborn's ability to respond to the environment appropriately. Orientation involves the newborn's response to new stimuli, such as turning the head to a sound. Social behaviors involve cuddling and snuggling into the arms of a parent.

The nurse is teaching a group of students about the similarities and differences between newborn skin and adult skin. Which statement by the group indicates that additional teaching is needed? A) The newborn's skin and that of an adult are similar in thickness. B) The newborn's sweat glands function fully, just like those of an adult. C) Skin development in the newborn is not complete at birth. D) The newborn has fewer fibrils connecting the dermis and epidermis

B The newborn has sweat glands, like an adult, but full adult functioning is not present until the second or third year of life. The newborn and adult epidermis is similar in thickness and lipid composition, but skin development is not complete at birth. Fewer fibrils connect the dermis and epidermis in the newborn when compared with the adult.

When making a home visit, the nurse observes a newborn sleeping on his back in a bassinet. In one corner of the bassinet is a soft stuffed animal and at the other end is a bulb syringe. The nurse determines that the mother needs additional teaching because of which of the following? A) The newborn should not be sleeping on his back. B) Stuffed animals should not be in areas where infants sleep. C) The bulb syringe should not be kept in the bassinet. D) This newborn should be sleeping in a crib.

B The nurse should instruct the mother to remove all fluffy bedding, quilts, stuffed animals, and pillows from the crib to prevent suffocation. Newborns and infants should be placed on their backs to sleep. Having the bulb syringe nearby in the bassinet is appropriate. Although a crib is the safest sleeping location, a bassinet is appropriate initially.

After teaching a class about hepatic system adaptations after birth, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the class identifies which of the following as the process of changing bilirubin from a fat-soluble product to a water-soluble product? A) Hemolysis B) Conjugation C) Jaundice D) Hyperbilirubinemia

B The process in which bilirubin is changed from a fat-soluble product to a water-soluble product is called conjugation. Hemolysis involves the breakdown of blood cells. In the newborn, hemolysis of the red blood cells is the principal source of bilirubin. Jaundice is the manifestation of increased bilirubin in the bloodstream. Hyperbilirubinemia refers to the increased level of bilirubin in the blood.

The nurse places a warmed blanket on the scale when weighing a newborn to minimize heat loss via which mechanism? A) Evaporation B) Conduction C) Convection D) Radiation

B Using a warmed cloth diaper or blanket to cover any cold surface, such as a scale, that touches a newborn directly helps to prevent heat loss through conduction. Drying a newborn and promptly changing wet linens, clothes, or diapers help reduce heat loss via evaporation. Keeping the newborn out of a direct cool draft, working inside an isolette as much as possible, and minimizing the opening of portholes help prevent heat loss via convection. Keeping cribs and isolettes away from outside walls, cold windows, and air conditioners and using radiant warmers while transporting newborns and performing procedures will help reduce heat loss via radiation.

When assessing a term newborn (6 hours old), the nurse auscultates bowel sounds and documents recent passing of meconium. These findings would indicate: a. Abnormal gastrointestinal newborn transition and need to be reported b. An intestinal anomaly that needs immediate surgery c. A patent anus with no bowel obstruction and normal peristalsis d. A malabsorption syndrome resulting in fatty stools

C

When caring for a newborn, the nurse ensures that the doors of the nursery are closed and minimizes opening of the isolette portholes to prevent heat loss via which mechanism? a. Conduction b. Evaporation c. Convection d. Radiation

C

The nurse frequently assesses the respiratory status of a preterm newborn based on the understanding that the newborn is at increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome because of which of the following? A) Inability to clear fluids B) Immature respiratory control center C) Deficiency of surfactant D) Smaller respiratory passages

C A preterm newborn is at increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) because of a surfactant deficiency. Surfactant helps to keep the alveoli open and maintain lung expansion. With a deficiency, the alveoli collapse, predisposing the newborn to RDS. An inability to clear fluids can lead to transient tachypnea. Immature respiratory control centers lead to an increased risk for apnea. Smaller respiratory passages led to an increased risk for obstruction.

When explaining how a newborn adapts to extrauterine life, the nurse would describe which body systems as undergoing the most rapid changes? A) Gastrointestinal and hepatic B) Urinary and hematologic C) Respiratory and cardiovascular D) Neurological and integumentary

C Although all the body systems of the newborn undergo changes, respiratory gas exchange along with circulatory modifications must occur immediately to sustain extrauterine life.

The nurse encourages the mother of a healthy newborn to put the newborn to the breast immediately after birth for which reason? A) To aid in maturing the newborn's sucking reflex B) To encourage the development of maternal antibodies C) To facilitate maternal-infant bonding D) To enhance the clearing of the newborn's respiratory passages

C Breast-feeding can be initiated immediately after birth. This immediate mother-newborn contact takes advantage of the newborn's natural alertness and fosters bonding. This contact also reduces maternal bleeding and stabilizes the newborn's temperature, blood glucose level, and respiratory rate. It is not associated with maturing the sucking reflex, encouraging the development of maternal antibodies, or aiding in clearing of the newborn's respiratory passages.

While performing a physical assessment of a newborn boy, the nurse notes diffuse edema of the soft tissues of his scalp that crosses suture lines. The nurse documents this finding as: A) Molding B) Microcephaly C) Caput succedaneum D) Cephalhematoma

C Caput succedaneum is localized edema on the scalp, a poorly demarcated soft tissue swelling that crosses the suture lines. Molding refers to the elongated shape of the fetal head as it accommodates to the passage through the birth canal. Microcephaly refers to a head circumference that is 2 standard deviations below average or less than 10% of normal parameters for gestational age. Cephalhematoma is a localized effusion of blood beneath the periosteum of the skull.

The nurse assesses a 1-day-old newborn. Which finding indicates that the newborn's oxygen needs aren't being met? A) Respiratory rate of 54 breaths/minute B) Abdominal breathing C) Nasal flaring D) Acrocyanosis

C Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory difficulty in the newborn. A rate of 54 breaths/minute, diaphragmatic/abdominal breathing, and acrocyanosis are normal findings.

A client at 28 weeks gestation is admitted to the labor and birth unit. Which test would most likely be used to assess the client's comprehensive fetal status? a) Ultrasound for physical structure b) Nonstress test (NST) c) Biophysical profile (BPP) d) Amniocentesis

C. Biophysical profile is a comprehensive test that would be used to assess the client's fetal status at 28 weeks gestation. Ultrasound for physical structure is limited to identifying the growth and development of the fetus, and does not assess for other parameters of fetal well-being. Women with a high-risk factor will probably begin having NSTs at 30-32 weeks gestation and at frequent intervals for the remainder of the pregnancy. Amniocentesis late in pregnancy is used to test for lung maturity, not overall fetal status in labor, and when performed earlier it is used to test for specific disorders.

After teaching a group of nursing students about thermoregulation and appropriate measures to prevent heat loss by evaporation, which of the following student behaviors would indicate successful teaching? a. Transporting the newborn in an isolette b. Maintaining a warm room temperature c. Placing the newborn on a warmed surface d. Drying the newborn immediately after birth

D

Which of the following newborns could be described as breathing normally? a. Newborn A is breathing deeply, with a regular rhythm, at a rate of 20 bpm b. Newborn B is breathing diaphragmatically with sternal retractions, at a rate of 70 bpm c. Newborn C is breathing shallowly, with 40-second periods of apnea and cyanosis d. Newborn D is breathing shallowly, at a rate of 36 bpm, with short periods of apnea

D

What is the best intervention a nurse can utilize to promote parent-infant attachment? a)Allow for privacy. b)Contact support families that have been through the same diagnosis with their own child and allow time to discuss the situation. c)Provide an extensive handbook with information related to the preterm newborn. d)Encourage rooming in.

D All will help strengthen the attachment bond, but the best answer would be to encourage rooming in. Rooming in can provide a great opportunity for the stable preterm infant and family to get acquainted; it offers both privacy and readily available help.

The nurse places a newborn with jaundice under the phototherapy lights in the nursery to achieve which goal? A) Prevent cold stress B) Increase surfactant levels in the lungs C) Promote respiratory stability D) Decrease the serum bilirubin level

D Jaundice reflects elevated serum bilirubin levels; phototherapy helps to break down the bilirubin for excretion. Phototherapy has no effect on body temperature, surfactant levels, or respiratory stability.

The nurse institutes measure to maintain thermoregulation based on the understanding that newborns have limited ability to regulate body temperature because they: A) Have a smaller body surface compared to body mass B) Lose more body heat when they sweat than adults C) Have an abundant amount of subcutaneous fat all over D) Are unable to shiver effectively to increase heat production

D Newborns have difficulty maintaining their body heat through shivering and other mechanisms. They have a large body surface area relative to body weight and have limited sweating ability. Additionally, newborns lack subcutaneous fat to provide insulation.

Which of the following would alert the nurse to the possibility of respiratory distress in a newborn? A) Symmetrical chest movements B) Periodic breathing C) Respirations of 40 breaths/minute D) Sternal retractions

D Sternal retractions, cyanosis, tachypnea, expiratory grunting, and nasal flaring are signs of respiratory distress in a newborn. Symmetrical chest movements and a respiratory rate between 30 to 60 breaths/minute are typical newborn findings. Some newborns may demonstrate periodic breathing (cessation of breathing lasting 5 to 10 seconds without changes in color or heart rate) in the first few days of life.

A new mother reports that her newborn often spits up after feeding. Assessment reveals regurgitation. The nurse responds based on the understanding that this most likely is due to which of the following? A) Placing the newborn prone after feeding B) Limited ability of digestive enzymes C) Underdeveloped pyloric sphincter D) Relaxed cardiac sphincter

D The cardiac sphincter and nervous control of the stomach is immature, which may lead to uncoordinated peristaltic activity and frequent regurgitation. Placement of the newborn is unrelated to regurgitation. Most digestive enzymes are available at birth, but they are limited in their ability to digest complex carbohydrates and fats; this results in fatty stools, not regurgitation. Immaturity of the pharyngoesophageal sphincter and absence of lower esophageal peristaltic waves, not an underdeveloped pyloric sphincter, also contribute to the reflux of gastric contents.

While making rounds in the nursery, the nurse sees a 6-hour-old baby girl gagging and turning bluish. What would the nurse do first? A) Alert the physician stat and turn the newborn to her right side. B) Administer oxygen via facial mask by positive pressure. C) Lower the newborn's head to stimulate crying. D) Aspirate the oral and nasal pharynx with a bulb syringe.

D The nurse's first action would be to suction the oral and nasal pharynx with a bulb syringe to maintain airway patency. Turning the newborn to her right side will not alleviate the blockage due to secretions. Administering oxygen via positive pressure is not indicated at this time. Lowering the newborn's head would be inappropriate.

The nurse administers vitamin K intramuscularly to the newborn based on which of the following rationales? A) Stop Rh sensitization B) Increase erythopoiesis C) Enhance bilirubin breakdown D) Promote blood clotting

D Vitamin K promotes blood clotting by increasing the synthesis of prothrombin by the liver. RhoGAM prevents Rh sensitization. Erythropoietin stimulates erythropoiesis. Phototherapy enhances bilirubin breakdown.

After birth, the nurse would expect which fetal structure to close as a result of increases in the pressure gradients on the left side of the heart? a. Foramen ovale b. Ductus arteriosus c. Ductus venosus d. Umbilical vein

A

When counseling a mother about the immunologic properties of breast milk, the nurse would emphasize breast milk as a major source of which immunoglobulin? A) IgA B) IgG C) IgM D) IgE

A A major source of IgA is human breast milk. IgG, found in serum and interstitial fluid, crosses the placenta beginning at approximately 20 to 22 weeks' gestation. IgM is found in blood and lymph fluid and levels are generally low at birth unless there is a congenital intrauterine infection. IgE is not found in breast milk and does not play a major role in defense in the newborn.

After the birth of a newborn, which of the following would the nurse do first to assist in thermoregulation? A) Dry the newborn thoroughly. B) Put a hat on the newborn's head. C) Check the newborn's temperature. D) Wrap the newborn in a blanket.

A Drying the newborn immediately after birth using warmed blankets is essential to prevent heat loss through evaporation. Then the nurse would place a cap on the baby's head and wrap the newborn. Assessing the newborn's temperature would occur once these measures were initiated to prevent heat loss.

A client expresses concern that her 2-hour-old newborn is sleepy and difficult to awaken. The nurse explains that this behavior indicates which of the following? A) Normal progression of behavior B) Probable hypoglycemia C) Physiological abnormality D) Inadequate oxygenation

A From 30 to 120 minutes of age, the newborn enters the second stage of transition, that of sleep or a decrease in activity. More information would be needed to determine if hypoglycemia, a physiologic abnormality, or inadequate oxygenation was present.

When describing the neurologic development of a newborn to his parents, the nurse would explain that it occurs in which fashion? A) Head-to-toe B) Lateral-to-medial C) Outward-to-inward D) Distal-caudal

A Neurologic development follows a cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) and proximal-distal (center to outside) pattern.

The nurse strokes the lateral sole of the newborn's foot from the heel to the ball of the foot when evaluating which reflex? A) Babinski B) Tonic neck C) Stepping D) Plantar grasp

A The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking the lateral sole of the newborn's foot from the heel toward and across the ball of the foot. The tonic neck reflex is tested by having the newborn lie on his back and then turn his head to one side. The stepping reflex is elicited by holding the newborn upright and inclined forward with the soles of the feet on a flat surface. The plantar grasp reflex is elicited by placing a finger against the area just below the newborn's toes.

Twenty minutes after birth, a baby begins to move his head from side to side, making eye contact with the mother, and pushes his tongue out several times. The nurse interprets this as: A) A good time to initiate breast-feeding B) The period of decreased responsiveness preceding sleep C) The need to be alert for gagging and vomiting D) Evidence that the newborn is becoming chilled

A The newborn is demonstrating behaviors indicating the first period of reactivity, which usually begins at birth and lasts for the first 30 minutes. This is a good time to initiate breast-feeding. Decreased responsiveness occurs from 30 to 120 minutes of age and is characterized by muscle relaxation and diminished responsiveness to outside stimuli. There is no indication that the newborn may experience gagging or vomiting. Chilling would be evidenced by tachypnea, decreased activity, and hypotonia.

When assessing a newborn 1 hour after birth, the nurse measures an axillary temperature of 95.8 degrees F, an apical pulse of 114 beats/minute, and a respiratory rate of 60 breaths/minute. Which nursing diagnosis takes highest priority? A) Hypothermia related to heat loss during birthing process B) Impaired parenting related to addition of new family member C) Risk for deficient fluid volume related to insensible fluid loss D) Risk for infection related to transition to extrauterine environment

A The newborn's heart rate is slightly below the accepted range of 120 to 160 beats/minute; the respiratory rate is at the high end of the accepted range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute. However, the newborn's temperature is significantly below the accepted range of 97.7 to 99.7 degrees F. Therefore, the priority nursing diagnosis is hypothermia. There is no information to suggest impaired parenting. Additional information is needed to determine if there is a risk for deficient fluid volume or a risk for infection.

Assessment of a newborn reveals a heart rate of 180 beats/minute. To determine whether this finding is a common variation rather than a sign of distress, what else does the nurse need to know? A) How many hours old is this newborn? B) How long ago did this newborn eat? C) What was the newborn's birthweight? D) Is acrocyanosis present?

A The typical heart rate of a newborn ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute with wide fluctuation during activity and sleep. Typically heart rate is assessed every 30 minutes until stable for 2 hours after birth. The time of the newborn's last feeding and his birthweight would have no effect on his heart rate. Acrocyanosis is a common normal finding in newborns.

Prior to discharging a 24-hour-old newborn, the nurse assesses her respiratory status. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? A) Respiratory rate 45, irregular B) Costal breathing pattern C) Nasal flaring, rate 65 D) Crackles on auscultation

A Typically, respirations in a 24-hour-old newborn are symmetric, slightly irregular, shallow, and unlabored at a rate of 30 to 60 breaths/minute. The breathing pattern is primarily diaphragmatic. Nasal flaring, rates above 60 breaths per minute, and crackles suggest a problem.

When teaching new parents about the sensory capabilities of their newborn, which sense would the nurse identify as being the least mature? A) Hearing B) Touch C) Taste D) Vision

D Vision is the least mature sense at birth. Hearing is well developed at birth, evidenced by the newborn's response to noise by turning. Touch is evidenced by the newborn's ability to respond to tactile stimuli and pain. A newborn can distinguish between sweet and sour by 72 hours of age.