ATI RN
Postpartum Hormonal Changes Questions
Question 1 of 5
A female African American baby has been admitted into the nursery. Which of the following physiological findings would the nurse assess as normal?Select one that doesn't apply
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Sharply demarcated dark red area on the face. This finding is known as a mongolian spot, which is a common and benign pigmented birthmark in African American infants. It typically appears on the lower back or buttocks rather than the face. Option A, purple-colored patches on the buttocks and torso, describes mongolian spots, which are normal in African American babies and usually appear in areas like the buttocks, not the face. Option B, bilateral whitish discharge from the breasts, is known as witch's milk and is a normal physiological response to maternal hormones. Option C, bloody discharge from the vagina, is abnormal in a newborn and should be further assessed. Educationally, understanding normal variations in newborns based on ethnicity is crucial for healthcare providers to provide appropriate care and avoid unnecessary interventions. Recognizing normal physiological findings helps prevent unwarranted parental concern and unnecessary medical investigations.
Question 2 of 5
The nursery charge nurse is assessing a 1-day-old female on morning rounds. Which of the following findings should be reported to the neonatologist as soon as possible? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Grunting during expiration. Grunting during expiration in a 1-day-old neonate can be a sign of respiratory distress, potentially indicating an underlying respiratory issue that requires immediate attention from the neonatologist. This finding is critical to report promptly to ensure timely intervention and prevent further complications. Option A) Blood in the diaper is not typically a concerning finding in a 1-day-old neonate as it could be due to normal physiological processes or minor issues like diaper rash. Option C) Deep red coloring on one side of the body with pale pink on the other side could be a normal variation in skin tone and is not necessarily indicative of an urgent medical issue. Option D) Lacy and mottled appearance over the entire chest and abdomen is a common finding in newborns due to their developing circulatory system and is usually considered normal in the immediate postpartum period. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers working in the neonatal setting to be able to recognize and differentiate between normal variations and potentially serious signs in the newborn. This case highlights the significance of prompt assessment and communication of abnormal findings to ensure the well-being of the neonate.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following full-term babies requires immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of postpartum hormonal changes affecting newborns, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to be able to identify signs that require immediate intervention to ensure the well-being of the infant. In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Baby with seesaw breathing. Seesaw breathing is a concerning sign where the baby's chest moves in while the abdomen moves out, and vice versa, indicating respiratory distress. This abnormal breathing pattern suggests an underlying issue that needs immediate attention to prevent further complications like hypoxia. Option B) Baby with irregular breathing with 10-second apnea spells also raises concern as it indicates potential breathing difficulties, but it is not as critical as seesaw breathing which signifies more severe distress. Option C) Baby with coordinated thoracic and abdominal breathing is a normal breathing pattern and does not require immediate intervention. Option D) Baby with a respiratory rate of 52, while slightly elevated, may not be as alarming as the abnormal breathing pattern seen in seesaw breathing. Educationally, understanding these different breathing patterns in newborns postpartum is essential for healthcare providers to differentiate between normal variations and signs of distress. Timely recognition and intervention can be life-saving for infants experiencing respiratory difficulties in the immediate postpartum period.
Question 4 of 5
Four newborns were admitted into the neonatal nursery 1 hour ago. They are all sleeping in overhead warmers. Which of the babies should the nurse ask the neonatologist to evaluate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) The neonate with raised white specks on the gums. The presence of raised white specks on the gums is indicative of Epstein's pearls, which are considered a normal finding in newborns. These are small, white, epithelial cysts that occur on the midline of the hard palate and gums. They are harmless and typically resolve on their own without intervention. Option A) The neonate with a temperature of 98.9°F and weight of 3000 grams is within normal parameters for a newborn and does not require immediate evaluation. Option B) The neonate with white spots on the bridge of the nose may have milia, which are also common and benign in newborns. These small, white spots are caused by blocked oil glands and usually disappear on their own without treatment. Option C) The presence of white spots on the bridge of the nose, like milia, is a common finding in newborns and does not warrant immediate evaluation. Understanding normal variations and common findings in newborns is crucial for healthcare professionals working in neonatal care. By being able to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings, nurses can provide appropriate care and reassure parents about the health and well-being of their newborns.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is about to elicit the Moro reflex. Which of the following responses should the nurse expect to see?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) When the lateral aspect of the sole of the baby's foot is stroked. This action should elicit the Moro reflex in a newborn. The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a normal reflex in infants that involves the sudden extension and abduction of the arms in response to a sensation of falling or being startled. Stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot triggers this reflex in infants. Option A is incorrect because the Moro reflex is not elicited by touching the baby's cheek. Option B is incorrect because the newborn turning toward the side that is touched is not indicative of the Moro reflex. Option D is incorrect because the extension and fanning outward of the toes is not part of the Moro reflex response. Understanding the Moro reflex is important for healthcare professionals working with newborns as it helps in assessing the neurological development and reflexes of the infant. It is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to be able to correctly identify and interpret infant reflexes as part of their assessment of newborns.