Which assessment finding of a newborn in the newborn nursery warrants further investigation and notification to the physician?
- A. Absent bowel sounds 15 minutes after delivery
- B. Bluish discoloration on the buttocks area
- C. Regurgitation of small amounts of feedings
- D. Absent meconium stool on day 2 of life
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the absence of meconium stool on day 2 of life can indicate a potential intestinal obstruction, which requires immediate medical attention. Meconium should be passed within the first 24-48 hours of life. A: Absent bowel sounds 15 minutes after delivery are normal as the gastrointestinal system may take some time to start functioning. B: Bluish discoloration on the buttocks area can be due to vascular changes and is usually not concerning. C: Regurgitation of small amounts of feedings is common in newborns and often not indicative of a serious issue.
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The most effective time to initiate breast-feeding is in which stage of reactivity for the neonate?
- A. period of decreased reactivity
- B. first period of reactivity
- C. second period of reactivity
- D. after the end of the second period of reactivity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: first period of reactivity. During this stage, the infant is alert and eager to suckle, making it an optimal time to initiate breastfeeding. The infant's sucking reflex is strong, and they are more likely to latch on successfully. The other choices are incorrect because during the period of decreased reactivity (A), the infant is often drowsy and less interested in feeding. The second period of reactivity (C) may involve increased activity and may not be the best time to introduce breastfeeding. After the end of the second period of reactivity (D), the infant may be more settled and not as ready to breastfeed as during the first period of reactivity.
The nurse is performing a gestational age assessment on a newborn. Which characteristic indicates the greatest gestational maturity?
- A. The infant's arms and legs are extended.
- B. There is some peeling and cracking of the skin.
- C. There are few rugae on the scrotum and the testes are high in the scrotum.
- D. The arm can be positioned with the elbow beyond the midline of the chest.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because peeling and cracking of the skin, known as desquamation, is characteristic of a newborn born at term or post-term. This indicates the skin has been in contact with amniotic fluid for an extended period, typical of a more mature gestational age. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically indicate gestational maturity. Arms and legs extended (A) can be seen in preterm infants. Few rugae on the scrotum and high testes (C) can be normal variations in newborns. The arm positioning (D) does not provide a direct indicator of gestational age.
Upon assessment, the RN notices that the newborn remains red at rest. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to evaluate?
- A. Glucose
- B. Bilirubin
- C. Sodium
- D. Hematocrit
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hematocrit. A red newborn at rest may indicate polycythemia, which increases the risk of hyperviscosity and complications. Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, so evaluating it can help determine if the newborn has polycythemia. Glucose (A) is important but not directly related to the newborn's redness. Bilirubin (B) is crucial for evaluating jaundice, not redness. Sodium (C) levels are not typically associated with a red newborn at rest.
Which of the following is an important consideration in positioning a newborn for breastfeeding?
- A. Placing the infant at nipple level facing the breast.
- B. Keeping the infant's head slightly lower than the body.
- C. Using the forefinger and middle finger to support the breast.
- D. Limiting the amount of areola the infant takes into the mouth.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer, A, is important because it ensures proper alignment for effective breastfeeding. Placing the infant at nipple level facing the breast helps the baby latch on correctly, promoting optimal milk transfer. Choice B is incorrect as the infant's head should be in line with the body to prevent swallowing issues. Choice C is incorrect because the fingers should support the breast underneath, not on top. Choice D is also incorrect as the baby should take in a sufficient amount of areola for a deep latch.
The nurse provides discharge instructions to a parent about umbilical cord care. What statement by the parent indicates effective health teaching?
- A. My child can have a tub bath every day.'
- B. I will clean the stump with antiseptics daily.'
- C. Water and soap can be used if the stump is dirty.'
- D. I need to apply an antibiotic ointment every day.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Using water and soap if the stump is dirty is the correct method for umbilical cord care as per current guidelines.
Step 2: Soap and water help prevent infection without disrupting the natural healing process.
Step 3: Daily tub baths or using antiseptics or antibiotic ointments can be harmful by interfering with healing.
Step 4: Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate and effective method for umbilical cord care.