Question 1

When assessing a postterm newborn, which of the following would the nurse correlate with this gestational age variation?

Accepted Answer

Postterm newborns, those born after 42 weeks of gestation, often have a thin umbilical cord due to decreased function of the placenta as the pregnancy goes beyond term.

Question 2

The parents of a preterm newborn being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU. are coming to visit for the first time. The newborn is receiving mechanical ventilation and intravenous fluids and medications and is being monitored electronically by various devices. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging the parents to touch their preterm newborn helps promote bonding and attachment, which is important for both the parents and the infant, even in the NICU setting.

Question 3

When performing newborn resuscitation, which action would the nurse do first?

Accepted Answer

Suctioning the mouth and then the nose is the first step in newborn resuscitation to clear the airway and facilitate breathing. This precedes interventions like intubation, chest compressions, or medication administration.

Question 4

The nurse frequently assesses the respiratory status of a preterm newborn based on the understanding that the newborn is at increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome because of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Preterm newborns are at increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome primarily due to a deficiency of surfactant, which is essential for reducing surface tension in the alveoli and preventing their collapse during exhalation.

Question 5

The nurse prepares to assess a newborn who is considered to be large for gestational age (LGA). Which of the following would the nurse correlate with this gestational age variation?

Accepted Answer

Newborns who are large for gestational age (LGA) often have difficulty in arousing to a quiet alert state due to factors such as birth trauma or hypoglycemia, which are more common in LGA infants. A birth weight of 7 lb 14 oz is within the normal range, not indicative of LGA, which is defined as a weight above the 90th percentile for the baby's gestational age. Strong, brisk motor skills and a wasted appearance of extremities are not characteristics associated with LGA infants.

Question 6

An LGA newborn has a blood glucose level of 30 mg/dL and is exhibiting symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which of the following would the nurse do next?

Accepted Answer

Administering intravenous glucose immediately is the appropriate action for a newborn with symptomatic hypoglycemia to rapidly increase blood glucose levels.

Question 7

A group of pregnant women are discussing high-risk newborn conditions as part of a prenatal class. When describing the complications that can occur in these newborns to the group, which would the nurse include as being at lowest risk?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns are at the lowest risk for complications compared to small-for-gestational-age (SGA), large-for-gestational-age (LGA), and low-birth-weight newborns. AGA newborns have birth weights that are within the normal range for their gestational age, which generally indicates healthier outcomes.

Question 8

While caring for a preterm newborn receiving oxygen therapy, the nurse monitors the oxygen therapy duration closely based on the understanding that the newborn is at risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Retinopathy of prematurity is a risk for preterm newborns receiving oxygen therapy due to the high levels of oxygen potentially damaging the developing retinal blood vessels.

Question 9

When planning the care for an SGA newborn, which action would the nurse determine as a priority?

Accepted Answer

Preventing hypoglycemia with early feedings is a priority for SGA (Small for Gestational Age) newborns because they are at higher risk for hypoglycemia due to limited glycogen stores and increased energy needs.

Question 10

A woman gives birth to a newborn at 36 weeks' gestation. She tells the nurse, "I'm so glad that my baby isn't premature." Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A newborn at 36 weeks is considered late preterm, not full term. The nurse should acknowledge the need for monitoring due to potential complications associated with late preterm birth.

Question 11

Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when assisting parents who have experienced the loss of their preterm newborn?

Accepted Answer

Providing opportunities for the parents to hold their newborn can be a crucial part of the grieving process, allowing them to say goodbye and begin to heal. It acknowledges the reality of the loss and the significance of the newborn's brief life.

Question 12

Which of the following, if noted in the maternal history, would the nurse identify as possibly contributing to the birth of an LGA newborn?

Accepted Answer

Maternal diabetes is a known risk factor for having a large for gestational age (LGA) newborn. High blood sugar levels in the mother can lead to high insulin levels in the baby, causing excessive growth.

Question 13

Which of the following would alert the nurse to suspect that a preterm newborn is in pain?

Accepted Answer

Sudden high-pitched crying is a common indicator of pain in newborns, including preterm infants. This type of cry is different from normal crying and suggests the baby is experiencing discomfort or pain.

Question 14

When describing newborns with birth-weight variations to a group of nursing students, the instructor identifies which variation if the newborn weighs 5.2 lb at any gestational age?

Accepted Answer

Low birth weight is defined as a birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds (or 2500 grams) regardless of gestational age. A newborn weighing 5.2 lb falls into this category.

Question 15

A nurse is assessing a newborn who has been classified as small for gestational age. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Wasted extremity appearance, sunken abdomen, and narrow skull sutures are all signs of a small for gestational age (SGA) newborn.

Question 16

The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a newborn born 2 hours ago. The nurse notes that the newborn was delivered at 35 weeks' gestation. The nurse would classify this newborn as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Late preterm infants are those born between 34 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation. Since the newborn was delivered at 35 weeks, it falls within this category.

Question 17

A nursing instructor is describing common problems associated with preterm birth. When describing the preterm newborn's risk for perinatal asphyxia, the instructor includes which of the following as contributing to the newborn's risk? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Surfactant deficiency and immaturity of the respiratory control centers contribute to the risk of perinatal asphyxia in preterm newborns by affecting lung function and breathing regulation.

Question 18

After determining that a newborn is in need of resuscitation, which of the following would the nurse do first?

Accepted Answer

Drying the newborn thoroughly is the first step in the initial care and resuscitation process. It helps to stimulate breathing and prevent heat loss, which is critical for the stabilization of the newborn.

Question 19

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a preterm infant experiencing respiratory distress. Which of the following would the nurse be least likely to include in this plan?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse is developing a plan of...

Question 20

A nurse suspects that a preterm newborn is having problems with thermal regulation. Which of the following would support the nurse's suspicion? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Shallow, slow respirations, cyanotic hands and feet, and a feeble cry are all signs of hypothermia in a preterm newborn.

Quiz 23: Nursing Care of the Newborn With Special Needs