Pediatric HESI Test Bank Related

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The nurse is presenting an in-service session on assessing gestational age in newborns. Which information should be included?

  • A. The newborn's length and weight are the most accurate indicators of gestational age.
  • B. The newborn's Apgar score and the mother's estimated date of confinement (EDC) are combined to determine gestational age.
  • C. The newborn's posture at rest and arm recoil are two physical signs used to determine gestational age.
  • D. The newborn's chest circumference compared to the head circumference is the determinant for gestational age.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The newborn's posture at rest and arm recoil are two physical signs used to determine gestational age. Assessment of posture at rest involves observing the newborn's flexed or extended posture when lying flat on their back. Premature infants tend to have more flexed postures due to their immature muscular tone. Arm recoil refers to the ability of the newborn to return their extended arm flexes to the flexed position. This reflex is typically present in more mature infants. These physical signs, along with other factors such as skin texture, breast development, and ear formation, are used by healthcare providers to estimate the gestational age of newborns. While length, weight, and head circumference are also important measurements, the posture at rest and arm recoil are specifically used in determining gestational age.