A nurse has completed an assessment on a newborn. Which finding ...

[mpobi80]

A nurse has completed an assessment on a newborn. Which finding is considered abnormal?
 
  a. Nystagmus
  b. Profuse drooling
  c. Dark green or black stools
  d. Slight vaginal reddish discharge

Question 2

The nurse observes flaring of nares in a newborn. This should be interpreted as:
 
  a. nasal occlusion.
  b. sign of respiratory distress.
  c. common response to sneezing.
  d. snuffles of congenital syphilis.

[patma1981]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Profuse drooling or salivation is a potential sign of a major abnormality. Newborns with esophageal atresia cannot swallow their oral secretions, resulting in excessive drooling. Nystagmus is an involuntary movement of the eyes. This is a common variation in newborns. Meconium, the first stool of newborns, is dark green or black. Pseudomenstruation may be present in normal newborns. This is a blood-tinged or mucoid vaginal discharge.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Nasal flaring is an indication of respiratory distress. A nasal occlusion would prevent the child from breathing through the nose. Because newborns are obligatory nose breathers, this would require immediate referral. Sneezing and thin white mucus drainage are common in newborns and are not related to nasal flaring. Snuffles are indicated by a thick, bloody, nasal discharge without sneezing.