Author Question: The mother of a 2-week-old infant tells the nurse, I think the baby is constipated. I've noticed she ... (Read 109 times)

armygirl · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The mother of a 2-week-old infant tells the nurse, I think the baby is constipated. I've noticed she strains when she has a bowel movement. What is nurse's most helpful response?

a. Give the baby one serving of fruit per day.
b. Increase the amount and frequency of her feedings.
c. It sounds like the baby is uncomfortable because she is constipated.
d. Newborns might strain with bowel movements because their muscles aren't fully developed.

Question 2

What symptom assessed in the newborn shortly after delivery should be reported?

a. Cyanosis of the hands and feet
b. Irregular heart rate
c. Mucus draining from the nose
d. Sternal or chest retractions

jaymee143 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Straining in the newborn period is normal. It results from underdeveloped abdominal musculature. No treatment is required.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Sternal retractions are evidence that the newborn is in respiratory distress and should be reported immediately.