A nursery nurse is admitting a neonate and is performing the neonatal assessment. The apical pulse is auscultated with a rate of 124 bpm, after one full minute of listening.
What is the next appropriate action should the nurse take?
Ask another nurse to verify the heart rate as this is an abnormal finding.
Call the provider and request they come to the hospital immediately for this abnormal finding to further assess the neonate.
Prepare the newborn for transport to the NICU for further cardiac observation.
Document the expected finding.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
An apical pulse rate of 124 bpm is within the normal range for a neonate (110-160 bpm). There is no need to ask another nurse to verify the heart rate as it is not an abnormal finding.
Choice B rationale
Calling the provider for an apical pulse rate of 124 bpm is unnecessary as it is within the normal range for a neonate. This action would be appropriate if the heart rate were significantly outside the normal range.
Choice C rationale
Preparing the newborn for transport to the NICU for an apical pulse rate of 124 bpm is not warranted. The heart rate is within the normal range, and there is no indication for further cardiac observation.
Choice D rationale
Documenting the expected finding is the appropriate action. An apical pulse rate of 124 bpm is within the normal range for a neonate, and no further action is needed.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Erythema toxicum is a common, benign rash seen in newborns. It appears as red patches with small white or yellow pustules in the center. It is not characterized by small raised pearly white spots on the nose and chin.
Choice B rationale
Milia spots are small raised pearly white spots that commonly appear on the nose, chin, and cheeks of newborns. They are caused by trapped keratin and are harmless, usually resolving on their own within a few weeks.
Choice C rationale
Mongolian spots are flat, blue-gray patches commonly found on the lower back and buttocks of newborns, especially those with darker skin. They are not raised and do not appear on the nose and chin.
Choice D rationale
Epstein’s pearls are small white or yellow cysts found on the gums or roof of the mouth in newborns. They are not found on the nose and chin. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age.
Choice B rationale
Appropriate for gestational age (AGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is between the 10th and 90th percentiles for their gestational age. A newborn weighing 3350 g at 39 weeks gestation falls within this range.
Choice C rationale
Low birth weight is defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 g, which does not apply to this newborn.
Choice D rationale
Large for gestational age (LGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is above the 90th percentile for their gestational age.