Nokea
Which term describes irregular areas of deep blue pigmentation seen predominantly in infants of African, Asian, Native American, or Hispanic descent?
- A. Acrocyanosis
- B. Mongolian spots
- C. Erythema toxicum
- D. Harlequin color change
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mongolian spots are irregular areas of deep blue pigmentation, which are common variations found in newborns of African, Asian, Native American, or Hispanic descent. Acrocyanosis is cyanosis of the hands and feet; this is a usual finding in infants. Erythema toxicum is a pink papular rash with vesicles that may appear in 24 to 48 hours and resolve after several days. Harlequin color changes are clearly outlined areas of color change. As the infant lies on a side, the lower half of the body becomes pink, and the upper half is pale.
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The Apgar score of an infant 5 minutes after birth is 8. Which is the nurses best interpretation of this?
- A. Resuscitation is likely to be needed.
- B. Adjustment to extrauterine life is adequate.
- C. Additional scoring in 5 more minutes is needed.
- D. Maternal sedation or analgesia contributed to the low score.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Apgar reflects an infants status in five areas: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. A score of 8 to 10 indicates an absence of difficulty adjusting to extrauterine life. Scores of 0 to 3 indicate severe distress, and scores of 4 to 7 indicate moderate difficulty. All infants are rescored at 5 minutes of life, and a score of 8 is not indicative of distress; the newborn does not have a low score. The Apgar score is not used to determine the infants need for resuscitation at birth.
What is a function of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in newborns?
- A. Generates heat for distribution to other parts of body
- B. Provides ready source of calories in the newborn period
- C. Protects newborns from injury during the birth process
- D. Insulates the body against lowered environmental temperature
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Brown fat is a unique source of heat for newborns. It has a larger content of mitochondrial cytochromes and a greater capacity for heat production through intensified metabolic activity than does ordinary adipose tissue. Heat generated in brown fat is distributed to other parts of the body by the blood. It is effective only in heat production. Brown fat is located in superficial areas such as between the scapulae, around the neck, in the axillae, and behind the sternum. These areas should not protect the newborn from injury during the birth process. The newborn has a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, which does not provide for conservation of heat.
Which should the nurse use when assessing the physical maturity of a newborn?
- A. Length
- B. Apgar score
- C. Posture at rest
- D. Chest circumference
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: With the newborn quiet and in a supine position, the degree of flexion in the arms and legs can be used for determination of gestational age. Length and chest circumference reflect the newborns size and weight, which vary according to race and gender. Birth weight alone is a poor indicator of gestational age and fetal maturity. The Apgar score is an indication of the newborns adjustment to extrauterine life.
Which finding in the newborn is considered abnormal?
- A. Nystagmus
- B. Profuse drooling
- C. Dark green or black stools
- D. Slight vaginal reddish discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Profuse drooling and salivation are potential signs of a major abnormality. Newborns with esophageal atresia cannot swallow their oral secretions, resulting in excessive drooling. Nystagmus is an involuntary movement of the eyes. This is a common variation in newborns. Meconium, the first stool of newborns, is dark green or black. A pseudomenstruation may be present in normal newborns. This is a blood-tinged or mucoid vaginal discharge.
The nurse observes flaring of nares in a newborn. What should this be interpreted as?
- A. Nasal occlusion
- B. Sign of respiratory distress
- C. Snuffles of congenital syphilis
- D. Appropriate newborn breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nasal flaring is an indication of respiratory distress. A nasal occlusion should prevent the child from breathing through the nose. Because newborns are obligatory nose breathers, this should require immediate referral. Snuffles are indicated by a thick, bloody nasal discharge without sneezing. Sneezing and thin, white mucus drainage are common in newborns and are not related to nasal flaring.