ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update Related

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

A woman in active labor receives a narcotic analgesic for pain control. If the narcotic is given a half an hour before delivery, which effect will the medication have on the infant?

  • A. It will cause the infant's blood sugar to fall.
  • B. It will cause the infant's respiratory rate to decrease.
  • C. It will cause the infant's heart rate to increase.
  • D. It will cause the infant's movements to be hyperactive.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: It will cause the infant's respiratory rate to decrease. Narcotic analgesics can cross the placenta and affect the baby. These medications can depress the respiratory drive of the newborn, leading to decreased respiratory rate. This effect is particularly pronounced if the narcotic is given shortly before delivery when the drug levels in the infant's system are highest. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Narcotics are not known to directly affect blood sugar levels in infants. C) Narcotics typically cause a decrease, rather than an increase, in heart rate. D) Narcotics are more likely to cause sedation and decreased movements rather than hyperactivity in newborns.