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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A newborn who is 26 hours post-delivery and has had no urine output needs immediate attention. Lack of urine output for over 24 hours may indicate dehydration or renal issues. Immediate medical evaluation is required to identify underlying conditions and prevent complications such as acute kidney injury or sepsis.
Choice B rationale
Acrocyanosis, characterized by blueish discoloration of the extremities, is common in newborns during the first 24-48 hours of life and usually resolves on its own. It occurs due to immature blood circulation and is generally not a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours can be a sign of conditions like Hirschsprung's disease or cystic fibrosis, but it is not as immediately concerning as anuria (no urine output). Monitoring and further evaluation are necessary, but it does not require urgent provider notification.
Choice D rationale
A blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL in a newborn is within the lower limit of normal. While it's important to monitor, it does not necessitate immediate provider notification unless it continues to drop or other symptoms arise.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Phototherapy is a treatment for jaundice but is not a preventive measure. It is used after jaundice has been identified to reduce bilirubin levels in the newborn.
Choice B rationale
Suctioning excess mucus with a bulb syringe helps clear the newborn’s airways but does not have a direct role in preventing jaundice. Jaundice is related to bilirubin metabolism, not
mucus accumulation.
Choice C rationale
Preparing for an exchange blood transfusion is an intervention for severe hyperbilirubinemia but is not a preventive measure for jaundice. It is used when bilirubin levels are
extremely high.
Choice D rationale
Initiating early feeding helps to promote bowel movements, which assists in the excretion of bilirubin from the body. This is an effective preventive measure for jaundice, as it helps
reduce the chances of bilirubin buildup.