A nurse is caring for four newborns in a special care nursery.
Which of the following newborn assessment findings requires immediate intervention?
Blue coloring of the hands and feet in an 8-hour-old newborn.
Small raised pearly spots on the newborn's nose.
Apical heart rate of 140 bpm.
Nasal flaring and grunting.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Blue coloring of the hands and feet in an 8-hour-old newborn (acrocyanosis) is a common, benign finding as the newborn’s circulatory system adjusts post-birth. It does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Small raised pearly spots on the nose (milia) are harmless and common in newborns. They do not necessitate any intervention.
Choice C rationale
An apical heart rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range for newborns and does not require intervention.
Choice D rationale
Nasal flaring and grunting are signs of respiratory distress in a newborn. This condition demands immediate intervention to ensure the newborn’s airway is clear and breathing is adequately supported.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the newborn's blood pressure does not directly address symptoms like diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. These symptoms indicate an immediate need to check blood glucose levels for hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining blood glucose by heel stick is the correct step because diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy in a newborn are classic signs of hypoglycemia. Timely detection and correction of blood glucose levels are critical.
Choice C rationale
Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer might help maintain body temperature but does not address the root cause of the symptoms, which is likely hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Initiating phototherapy is used to treat jaundice (high bilirubin levels) and is not indicated for managing symptoms of hypoglycemia like diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pelvic pain and fatigue can be indicators of endometritis, an infection of the uterine lining. It often manifests with pain, fever, and general malaise, and requires further evaluation and intervention.
Choice B rationale
Light amount of dark red lochia with a bloody odor is a normal postpartum finding. Lochia progresses through different stages, and dark red lochia, which occurs in the later stages, typically has a bloody odor.
Choice C rationale
Hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine, is not a typical symptom of endometritis. It may indicate a urinary tract infection or other renal issues instead.
Choice D rationale
A localized area of breast tenderness may indicate mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue. It is not related to endometritis but requires attention and treatment.