Chapter 35 Acquired Problems of the Newborn

Chapter 35  Acquired Problems of the Newborn

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A macrosomic infant is born after a difficult forceps-assisted delivery. After stabilization, the infant is weighed, and the birth weight is 4550 g (9 lb, 6 oz). What is the nurse’s first priority?
a.
Leave the infant in the room with the mother.
b.
Immediately take the infant to the nursery.
c.
Perform a gestational age assessment to determine whether the infant is large for gestational age.
d.
Frequently monitor blood glucose levels, and closely observe the infant for signs of hypoglycemia.

ANS: D
Regardless of gestational age, this infant is macrosomic (defined as fetal weight more than 4000 g) and is at high risk for hypoglycemia, which affects many macrosomic infants. Blood glucose levels should be frequently monitored, and the infant should be closely observed for signs of hypoglycemia. Close observation can be achieved in the mother’s room with nursing interventions. However, depending on the condition of the infant, observation may be more appropriate in the nursery.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 856
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

2. A 3.8-kg infant was vaginally delivered at 39 weeks after a 30-minute second stage. A nuchal cord was found at delivery. After birth, the infant is noted to have petechiae over the face and upper back. Which information regarding petechiae is most accurate and should be provided to the parents?
a.
Are benign if they disappear within 48 hours of birth
b.
Result from increased blood volume
c.
Should always be further investigated
d.
Usually occur with a forceps-assisted delivery

ANS: A
Petechiae, or pinpoint hemorrhagic areas, acquired during childbirth may extend over the upper portion of the trunk and face. These lesions are benign if they disappear within 2 days of childbirth and no new lesions appear. Petechiae may result from decreased platelet formation. In this situation, the presence of petechiae is most likely a soft-tissue injury resulting from the nuchal cord at birth. Unless the lesions do not dissipate in 2 days, alarming the family is not necessary. Petechiae usually occur with a breech presentation vaginal birth.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 853
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

3. What information regarding a fractured clavicle is most important for the nurse to take into consideration when planning the infant’s care?
a.
Prone positioning facilitates bone alignment.
b.
No special treatment is necessary.
c.
Parents should be taught range-of-motion exercises.
d.
The shoulder should be immobilized with a splint.

ANS: B
Fractures in newborns generally heal rapidly. Except for gentle handling, no accepted treatment for a fractured clavicle exists. Movement should be limited, and the infant should be gently handled. Performing range-of-motion exercises on the infant is not necessary. A fractured clavicle does not require immobilization with a splint.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: p. 854
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

4. Which conditions are infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) at a higher risk for developing?
a.
Iron deficiency anemia
b.
Hyponatremia
c.
Respiratory distress syndrome
d.
Sepsis

ANS: C
IDMs are at risk for macrosomia, birth trauma, perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, cardiomyopathy, hyperbilirubinemia, and polycythemia. IDMs are not at risk for anemia, hyponatremia, or sepsis.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 856 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity

5. A pregnant woman at 37 weeks of gestation has had ruptured membranes for 26 hours. A cesarean section is performed for failure to progress. The fetal heart rate (FHR) before birth is 180 beats per minute with limited variability. At birth the newborn has Apgar scores of 6 and 7 at 1 and 5 minutes and is noted to be pale and tachypneic. Based on the maternal history, what is the most likely cause of this newborn’s distress?
a.
Hypoglycemia
b.
Phrenic nerve injury
c.
Respiratory distress syndrome
d.
Sepsis

ANS: D
The prolonged rupture of membranes and the tachypnea (before and after birth) suggest sepsis. A differential diagnosis can be difficult because signs of sepsis are similar to noninfectious problems such as anemia and hypoglycemia. Phrenic nerve injury is usually the result of traction on the neck and arm during childbirth and is not applicable to this situation. The earliest signs of sepsis are characterized by lack of specificity (e.g., lethargy, poor feeding, irritability), not respiratory distress syndrome.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: p. 858
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity