RN ATI Maternal Newborn 2023 with NGN Related

Review RN ATI Maternal Newborn 2023 with NGN related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a newborn who was born at 26 weeks of gestation using the New Ballard Score. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

  • A. Minimal arm recoil.
  • B. Popliteal angle of 90°.
  • C. Creases over the entire foot sole.
  • D. Raised areolas with 3 to 4 mm buds.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Minimal arm recoil. In preterm infants, particularly those born at 26 weeks of gestation, minimal arm recoil is expected due to underdeveloped muscle tone. This is a characteristic finding in the New Ballard Score assessment for preterm newborns. Option B, popliteal angle of 90°, is incorrect as preterm infants typically have a popliteal angle greater than 90°. Option C, creases over the entire foot sole, is also incorrect as preterm infants usually have a smooth foot sole without creases. Option D, raised areolas with 3 to 4 mm buds, is not relevant to the assessment of gestational age in preterm newborns.