HESI Maternity 55 Questions Quizlet Related

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To confirm respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a newborn, what should the nurse assess?

  • A. Assess diaphragmatic breathing.
  • B. Assess heart sounds.
  • C. Monitor blood oxygen levels.
  • D. Check for signs of infection.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To confirm respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a newborn, the nurse should assess diaphragmatic breathing. In RDS, the baby may have difficulty breathing due to immature lungs, leading to shallow, rapid breathing movements. Assessing diaphragmatic breathing directly evaluates the respiratory effort and can help identify the presence of RDS. Choice B, assessing heart sounds, is not specific to diagnosing RDS but could be relevant for other conditions. Choice C, monitoring blood oxygen levels, is important but alone may not confirm RDS. Choice D, checking for signs of infection, is not a direct indicator of RDS but rather suggests a different issue.