During the third trimester of pregnancy, which of the following findings should a nurse recognize as an expected physiologic change?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gradual lordosis. During the third trimester, the growing uterus shifts the center of gravity forward, leading to an increased lumbar curvature known as lordosis. This change helps maintain balance and support the extra weight. Increased abdominal muscle tone (B) is not an expected finding as abdominal muscles tend to stretch and weaken during pregnancy. Posterior neck flexion (C) is not a common physiologic change during the third trimester. Decreased mobility of pelvic joints (D) is incorrect as hormonal changes during pregnancy actually increase flexibility in the pelvic joints to prepare for childbirth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because chlamydia is commonly treated with a single dose of azithromycin to ensure complete eradication of the infection. This antibiotic is highly effective against chlamydia. Option B is incorrect because both partners need treatment regardless of symptoms. Option C is incorrect as sexual abstinence for 7 days is recommended post-treatment. Option D is incorrect as retesting should be done after 3 months, not 6 months.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sunken fontanels. This finding indicates dehydration in the infant, which can be a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. Dehydration can lead to further elevation of bilirubin levels and potential neurological complications. Reporting this to the charge nurse is crucial for prompt assessment and intervention. Incorrect choices: A: Conjunctivitis - Although important, it is not a priority over a sign of dehydration. B: Bronze skin discoloration - This may be a common side effect of phototherapy and does not indicate an urgent issue. D: Maculopapular skin rash - While it should be monitored, it does not take precedence over a sign of dehydration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a baby who is postmature may have dry, cracked, and peeling skin, leading to a leathery appearance due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid. This occurs as the protective vernix caseosa diminishes over time. Choice A is incorrect because excess baby fat is not a typical characteristic of postmaturity. Choice B is incorrect as flat areola without breast buds is not a common feature of postmaturity. Choice C is incorrect as the ability to easily move heels to ears is a sign of flexibility and does not specifically relate to postmaturity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the Moro reflex is elicited by sudden head movement or loud noise, causing the infant to extend their arms, then bring them back in a hugging motion. By holding the newborn in a semi-sitting position and allowing their head and trunk to fall backward, the nurse can observe the Moro reflex. Choices A, B, and C do not correctly elicit the Moro reflex as they involve different stimuli or movements that do not trigger the characteristic response of arm extension followed by flexion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen saturation. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in evaluating the newborn's respiratory status post-surfactant administration. It helps assess the effectiveness of surfactant therapy in improving oxygenation. Body temperature and serum bilirubin are not directly related to assessing respiratory distress syndrome. Heart rate may be affected by various factors and may not provide specific information on respiratory status.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Appropriate for gestational age. A newborn is considered appropriate for gestational age when their weight falls within the 10th to 90th percentiles for their gestational age. In this case, the newborn is in the 60th percentile for weight, indicating that the weight is appropriate for the gestational age of 38 weeks. Choice A: Low birth weight is incorrect because a newborn is classified as low birth weight when their weight is below 2,500 g regardless of gestational age. Choice C: Small for gestational age is incorrect because a newborn is classified as small for gestational age when their weight is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age. Choice D: Large for gestational age is incorrect because a newborn is classified as large for gestational age when their weight is above the 90th percentile for their gestational age.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Covering the newborn's head with a cap. This is the highest priority as newborns are at risk for heat loss due to their large head surface area. By covering the newborn's head with a cap, heat loss can be minimized, helping to maintain the baby's body temperature. This is crucial for the newborn's overall well-being and to prevent complications such as hypothermia. Initiating breastfeeding (A) is important for newborn nutrition but can be delayed slightly without immediate harm. Performing the initial bath (B) can also wait as it is not as urgent as maintaining the newborn's temperature. Giving a vitamin K injection (C) is important for blood clotting but can be done after ensuring the baby's temperature is stable.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peanut butter. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body can't process phenylalanine found in protein foods. Peanut butter is high in protein and contains phenylalanine, so it should be eliminated from the client's diet. Potatoes, apple juice, and broccoli are low in protein and do not contain high levels of phenylalanine, so they do not need to be eliminated. It is crucial for the client to avoid foods high in phenylalanine to prevent the buildup of toxic levels in the body, which can lead to serious health issues.