Deck 5: Clinical Appearance and Gestational Age in a Female Newborn

Question 1

The nurse is assessing a newborn. Which of the following findings, if observed by the nurse, should be a cause of concern?

A)Blood pressure difference between the upper arms and thighs is wide
B)A newborn with an apical heart rate of 170 beats per minute when crying
C)Symmetric blue or cyanotic discoloration of the feet and hands
D)Brief periods of apnea during sleep

Answer 1

Blood pressure difference between the upper arms and thighs is wide

Question 2

The nurse assesses a female newborn. The assessment reveals an unusually small amount of soft tissue mass, especially subcutaneous fat. The skin hanging loosely on the extremities is dry and peeling. The fingernails and toenails are long. The nurse knows that based on the newborn's clinical appearance, the age of gestation is more likely:

A)Between 34 and 35 weeks
B)Between 37 and 40 weeks
C)Between 40 and 42 weeks
D)Between 42 and 44 weeks

Answer 2

Between 42 and 44 weeks

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a postpartum client. Which of the following is the earliest sign of excessive blood loss?

A)A blood pressure change from 130/83 to 126/80
B)A respiratory rate from 16 to 20 breaths per minute
C)An increase of pulse rate from 80 to 102 per minute
D)A temperature of 100.8°F

Answer 3

An increase of pulse rate from 80 to 102 per minute

Question 4

A nurse is assessing a woman who just gave birth 18 hours ago. Which of the following findings should alarm the nurse the most?

A)Sanitary pads soak up bright red vaginal discharge every hour for more than 2 hours.
B)The uterus is at the level of the umbilicus.
C)Perineal swelling.
D)Body temperature of 100°F.

Question 5

Your initial post birth assessment of the mother and the neonate indicates that the neonate's Apgar score was 9. What does this data indicate?

A)The neonate was in severe distress after birth.
B)The neonate is adapting well to extra uterine life.
C)The neonate is mildly adapting to extra uterine life.
D)The neonate is minimally adapting to extra uterine life.