A nurse notes that a 12-hour-old newborn has not had the first meconium stool. The nurse documents this finding and continues to monitor the newborn because, in term newborns, the first meconium stool occurs within how many hours of birth?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first meconium stool should occur within the first 24 to 48 hours. It may be delayed up to 7 days in very low birth weight newborns. Although it may occur earlier, the expected range is the first 24 to 48 hours of life.

A Nurse Notes That a 12-Hour-Old Newborn Has Not Had