A nurse is performing a newborn assessment and notes depressed fontanels. Which of the following is true regarding depressed fontanels in newborn assessment?
Depressed fontanelles are only seen in premature newborns.
Depressed fontanelles indicate infection.
Depressed fontanelles are a sign of dehydration.
Depressed fontanelles are a normal finding in newborns.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Depressed fontanelles are not exclusive to premature newborns. They can occur in both premature and full-term infants and are not an indicator of prematurity.
Choice B rationale
Depressed fontanelles do not indicate infection. Infections in newborns typically present with other symptoms such as fever, irritability, and poor feeding.
Choice C rationale
Depressed fontanelles are a sign of dehydration in newborns. When a newborn is dehydrated, the fontanelles can appear sunken due to the lack of fluid in the body.
Choice D rationale
Depressed fontanelles are not a normal finding in newborns. Normally, fontanelles should be flat or slightly curved inward. A depressed fontanelle is a clinical sign that requires further evaluation and intervention.
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Correct Answer is ["D","F","G","H"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Flexion of arms is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale
Caput succedaneum is a common condition where the scalp swells due to pressure during delivery. It does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
A heart rate of 158 bpm is within the normal range for newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
A respiratory rate of 66/min is above the normal range (30-60 breaths per minute) and indicates respiratory distress.
Choice E rationale
Acrocyanosis is common in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice F rationale
Subcostal retractions indicate increased work of breathing and are a sign of respiratory distress.
Choice G rationale
Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress as it indicates increased effort to breathe.
Choice H rationale
Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress as it indicates difficulty in maintaining lung expansion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood glucose levels frequently is important for newborns, especially those at risk for hypoglycemia. However, it does not directly prevent jaundice. Jaundice is caused by elevated bilirubin levels, which are not directly related to blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale
Beginning phototherapy immediately is a treatment for jaundice, not a preventive measure. Phototherapy is used to reduce high bilirubin levels in newborns who already have jaundice.
Choice C rationale
Initiating early feeding is an effective way to prevent jaundice in newborns. Early feeding helps promote regular bowel movements, which aids in the excretion of bilirubin from the body, thereby reducing the risk of jaundice.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for a blood transfusion is a treatment for severe jaundice, not a preventive measure. Blood transfusions are used in cases of extreme hyperbilirubinemia that do not respond to other treatments.