Which term is used to describe a newborns first stool?
- A. Milia
- B. Milk stool
- C. Meconium
- D. Transitional
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meconium is composed of amniotic fluid and its constituents, intestinal secretions, shed mucosal cells, and possibly blood. It is a newborns first stool. Milia involves distended sweat glands that appear as minute vesicles, primarily on the face. Milk stool usually occurs by the fourth day. The appearance varies depending on whether the newborn is breast or formula fed. Transitional stools usually appear by the third day after the beginning of feeding. They are usually greenish brown to yellowish brown, thin, and less sticky than meconium.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which is true regarding an infants kidney function?
- A. Conservation of fluid and electrolytes occurs.
- B. Urine has color and odor similar to the urine of adults.
- C. The ability to concentrate urine is less than that of adults.
- D. Normally, urination does not occur until 24 hours after delivery.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: At birth, all structural components are present in the renal system, but there is a functional deficiency in the kidneys ability to concentrate urine and to cope with conditions of fluid and electrolyte stress such as dehydration or a concentrated solute load. Infants urine is colorless and odorless. The first voiding usually occurs within 24 hours of delivery. Newborns void when the bladder is stretched to 15 ml, resulting in about 20 voidings per day.
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.
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.
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.
Nokea