Which nursing action is appropriate when providing care to a newborn with a respiratory rate of 102 breaths per minute with lungs that are clear to auscultation?
A) Administering the bath to the neonate in the nursery
B) Transferring to the neonatal intensive care unit for further observation
C) Allowing the neonate to room-in to promote bonding
D) Providing the first feeding in the nursery

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A respiratory rate of 102 breaths per minute is significantly higher than the normal range for a newborn, which is typically 40-60 breaths per minute. Even though the lungs are clear upon auscultation, the elevated respiratory rate indicates potential respiratory distress or an underlying condition that requires closer monitoring and possibly intervention, which is best done in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Which Nursing Action Is Appropriate When Providing Care to a Newborn