Maternity HESI Practice Questions Related

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A healthcare provider is assessing a newborn upon admission to the nursery. Which of the following should the provider expect?

  • A. Bulging Fontanels
  • B. Nasal Flaring
  • C. Length from head to heel of 40 cm (15.7 in)
  • D. Chest circumference 2 cm (0.8 in) smaller than the head circumference
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Upon admission to the nursery, a healthcare provider should expect the newborn's chest circumference to be slightly smaller than the head circumference. This is a normal finding in newborns due to their physiological development. Bulging fontanels (Choice A) can indicate increased intracranial pressure, which is abnormal. Nasal flaring (Choice B) is a sign of respiratory distress and is also an abnormal finding. While a length from head to heel of 40 cm (15.7 in) (Choice C) falls within the normal range for newborns, it is not a specific expectation upon admission to the nursery. Therefore, the correct expectation for a newborn upon admission is for the chest circumference to be slightly smaller than the head circumference.