A nurse is caring for a 3-day-old newborn and suspects Hirschsprung disease. What finding best supports the nurse's concern?
The infant has passed several tar-like stools.
The infant has not gained weight and has stooled once.
The infant has not stooled.
The infant has passed hard, pellet-like stools.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Passing tar-like stools is normal for newborns within the first few days of life and does not indicate Hirschsprung disease.
B. Limited stooling and poor weight gain may suggest feeding issues but are not as indicative of Hirschsprung disease as the absence of stool.
C. The absence of stool (failure to pass meconium within 24-48 hours) is a classic sign of Hirschsprung disease, a condition where the absence of ganglion cells in the intestines leads to a blockage.
D. Passing hard, pellet-like stools may indicate constipation but is not specific to Hirschsprung disease, especially in a newborn.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A PEFR of 45% of the personal best indicates a moderate asthma exacerbation, but immediate hospitalization is not necessarily required unless there are severe symptoms or other indicators of serious distress.
B. At 45% of the personal best PEFR, the child is experiencing a moderate asthma exacerbation. The recommended action is to use a quick-relief inhaler like albuterol, which is effective in providing immediate relief. Inhaled corticosteroids are part of the long-term management but should not replace the use of a quick-relief inhaler during an exacerbation.
C. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist used for maintenance therapy and is not typically used for acute exacerbations. Albuterol is preferred in this situation for immediate relief.
D. While monitoring PEFR is important, action should be taken when PEFR falls below 50% of the personal best, and more immediate intervention is needed at 45% of the personal best.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While newborns need to feed frequently, particularly breastfed infants, parents do not need to wake their baby for every feeding unless advised by their healthcare provider due to specific concerns like low birth weight.
B. After birth, the newborn receives initial vaccinations, such as the hepatitis B vaccine. The next set of vaccinations is typically administered at the 1 or 2-month check-up, so no additional immunizations are needed immediately after discharge.
C. Full head control is generally achieved by around 4 months of age, not 1 month.
D. Babies typically triple their birth weight by around 12 months of age, not by 4-6 months.