The nurse is using the New Ballard Score to assess the gestational age of a newborn delivered 4 hours ago. The infant's gestational age is 33 weeks based on early ultrasound and last menstrual period. The nurse expects the infant to exhibit which of the following?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, and slow recoil time are all characteristics of a preterm infant. A is incorrect because full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, and scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline are features of a term infant. B is incorrect as testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, and vernix covering the entire body are also indicative of a term infant. D is incorrect because a 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, and rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension are characteristics seen in a more mature infant, not a preterm newborn.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Cephalohematoma. Physiologic jaundice in newborns can occur due to the breakdown of excess red blood cells. A cephalohematoma, a collection of blood caused by ruptured blood vessels between a cranial bone's surface and periosteal membrane, can lead to increased red blood cell breakdown. This increased breakdown can contribute to the development of physiologic jaundice in newborns. Choices B, Mongolian spots, and C, Telangiectatic nevi, are both benign skin conditions and are not directly associated with increased red blood cell breakdown. Choice D, Molding, refers to the shaping of the fetal head during passage through the birth canal and is not related to the development of physiologic jaundice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Drying the newborn thoroughly is the most appropriate action to prevent heat loss immediately after birth. This helps to prevent heat loss through evaporation, which is crucial in maintaining the newborn's body temperature. Placing the newborn in an incubator can be a secondary step after ensuring the baby is dry. Bathing the newborn right away is not recommended as it can lead to further heat loss through evaporation. Feeding the newborn is important but not an immediate action to prevent heat loss; ensuring the baby is dry and warm takes precedence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A saturated perineal pad in 15 minutes indicates excessive bleeding, known as postpartum hemorrhage, which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention to prevent further complications like hypovolemic shock. Monitoring and managing postpartum bleeding are crucial in the early postpartum period to ensure the client's safety and well-being. The other options are normal postpartum findings: lochia rubra with a few small clots is expected in the early postpartum period, a firm and midline fundus indicates proper uterine contraction, and a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) is within the normal range for the postpartum period.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. If a new mother observes that her baby has six to eight wet diapers a day, it indicates that the baby is getting enough breast milk. This is a crucial indicator of adequate milk intake and hydration in infants. Conversely, choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A baby sleeping through the night, crying frequently, or being awake and alert are not reliable indicators of sufficient breast milk intake. It is essential for new mothers to track their baby's diaper output to ensure they are receiving the necessary nutrition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To ensure an accurate gestational rating on the Ballard gestational assessment tool, healthcare professionals should document the amount and area of vernix coverage before drying the newborn. Drying the baby after birth could disturb the vernix, potentially affecting the gestational age assessment. Assessing and documenting the vernix coverage beforehand enables a more precise evaluation using the Ballard gestational assessment tool. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to gestational rating on the Ballard assessment tool.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Orthopnea is the specific term used to describe shortness of breath when lying down. This condition is commonly seen in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to the redistribution of fluid in the body when changing positions. Platypnea refers to shortness of breath that worsens when sitting or standing, apnea is the cessation of breathing, and epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. Therefore, the correct answer is B (Orthopnea).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased urine output is not a warning sign of dehydration; it typically decreases with dehydration. Dehydration often presents with poor skin turgor, tachycardia, and an increased sensation of thirst (eager to drink) as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss. Choices A, C, and D are all correct warning signs of dehydration. Poor skin turgor is a result of decreased skin elasticity due to fluid loss. Tachycardia, an elevated heart rate, can be a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in dehydration. Feeling eager to drink is a common symptom of dehydration as the body attempts to restore fluid balance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Initiating breastfeeding within the first half-hour after birth is crucial for successful breastfeeding and bonding, as recommended by the World Health Organization. This early initiation helps establish breastfeeding and supports the newborn's health by providing colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk. Choice B, 'After the newborn's first bath,' is incorrect because initiating breastfeeding should not be delayed after birth. Choice C, 'When the newborn begins to cry,' is incorrect as it does not promote timely initiation of breastfeeding. Choice D, 'After administering vitamin K,' is incorrect because breastfeeding initiation should not be delayed for this procedure.