ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update related questions and content

A 35-week gestation infant was delivered by forceps. Which assessment findings should alert the nurse to a possible complication of the forceps delivery?

  • A. Weak, ineffective suck, and scalp edema
  • B. Molding of the head and jitteriness
  • C. Shrill, high pitched cry, and tachypnea
  • D. Hypothermia and hemoglobin of 12.5 g/dL
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weak, ineffective suck, and scalp edema. Forceps delivery can cause head trauma leading to facial nerve injury, resulting in weak suck and scalp edema. Molding of the head (choice B) is a normal finding after vaginal birth. Jitteriness (choice B) may be due to immaturity rather than a complication of forceps delivery. A shrill, high-pitched cry and tachypnea (choice C) are more indicative of respiratory distress, not specific to forceps delivery. Hypothermia and hemoglobin of 12.5 g/dL (choice D) are not directly related to complications of forceps delivery.