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
Umbilical cord compression typically results in variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate, not moderate variability or regular accelerations. It can lead to changes in fetal heart rate
patterns, but not regular mild contractions.
Choice B rationale
Dysfunctional labor refers to an abnormal labor pattern, including irregular uterine contractions. The described symptoms fit this condition, as they can cause mild pain and be
managed by ambulation, showers, and rest.
Choice C rationale
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid, leading to fever, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling amniotic fluid, not mild contractions and moderate
variability in FHR.
Choice D rationale
Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy can cause fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath but does not affect uterine contractions or fetal heart rate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Copious vernix is typically found on preterm newborns, not those born post-term.
Choice B rationale
Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in post-term newborns due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid.
Choice C rationale
Decreased subcutaneous fat is more likely in preterm newborns, while post-term newborns might lose some fat due to nutrient depletion.
Choice D rationale
Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants, whereas post-term infants usually have more developed hair. .