The nurse is performing an initial assessment of a newborn and notes retractions, nasal flaring, and tachypnea. The nurse will continue to perform a focused assessment on which system?
A) Respiratory
B) Cardiovascular
C) Gastrointestinal
D) Musculoskeletal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tachypnea, a respiratory rate of more than 60 breaths/min, is the most common sign of respiratory distress. Retractions occur when the soft tissue around the bones of the chest is drawn in with the effort of pulling air into the lungs. Xiphoid (substernal) retractions occur when the area under the sternum retracts each time the infant inhales. When the muscles between the ribs are drawn in so that each rib is outlined, intercostal retractions are present. A reflex widening of the nostrils occurs when the infant is receiving insufficient oxygen. Nasal flaring helps decrease airway resistance and increase the amount of air entering the lungs.

The Nurse Is Performing an Initial Assessment of a Newborn