Author Question: The nurse is caring for a 3-week-old preterm newborn born at 29 weeks of gestation. While taking ... (Read 109 times)

Awilson837 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The nurse is caring for a 3-week-old preterm newborn born at 29 weeks of gestation.

While taking vital signs and changing the newborn's diaper, the nurse observes the newborn's color is pink but slightly mottled, arms and legs are limp and extended, hiccups are present, and heart rate is regular and rapid. The nurse should recognize these behaviors as manifestations of:
a. stress.
b. subtle seizures.
c. preterm behavior.
d. onset of respiratory distress.

Question 2

A healthy, stable, preterm newborn will soon be discharged. The nurse should recommend which position for sleep?

a. Prone
b. Supine
c. Side lying
d. Position of comfort

fffftttt · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Color pink but slightly mottled, arms and legs limp and extended, hiccups, respiratory pauses and gasping, and an irregular, rapid heart rate are signs of stress or fatigue in a newborn. Neonatal seizures usually have some type of repetitive movement from twitching to rhythmic jerking movements. The behavior of a preterm newborn may be inactive and listless. Respiratory distress is exhibited by retractions and nasal flaring.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy newborns be placed to sleep in a supine position. Other positions are associated with sudden infant death syndrome. The prone position can be used for supervised play.