Chapter 09: Health Problems of Newborns

Chapter 09: Health Problems of Newborns

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Which is defined as a vaguely outlined area of edematous tissue situated over the portion of the scalp that presents in a vertex delivery?

a.	Caput succedaneum
b.	Hydrocephalus
c.	Cephalhematoma
d.	Subdural hematoma

 

 

ANS:  A

A vaguely outlined area of edematous tissue situated over the portion of the scalp that presents in a vertex delivery is the definition of a caput succedaneum. The swelling consists of serum and/or blood accumulated in the tissues above the bone, and it may extend beyond the bone margin. Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance in production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. When production exceeds absorption, fluid accumulates within the ventricular system, causing dilation of the ventricles. A cephalhematoma has sharply demarcated boundaries that do not extend beyond the limits of the (bone) suture line. A subdural hematoma is located between the dura and the cerebrum. It would not be visible on the scalp.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remember            REF:   229

TOP:   Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:  Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

 

2. Which finding on a newborn assessment should the nurse recognize as suggestive of a clavicle fracture?

a.	Negative scarf sign
b.	Asymmetric Moro reflex
c.	Swelling of fingers on affected side
d.	Paralysis of affected extremity and muscles

 

 

ANS:  B

A newborn with a broken clavicle may have no symptoms. The Moro reflex, which results in sudden extension and abduction of the extremities followed by flexion and adduction of the extremities, will most likely be asymmetric. The scarf sign that is used to determine gestational age should not be performed if a broken clavicle is suspected. Swelling of fingers on affected side and paralysis of affected extremity and muscles are not indicative of a fractured clavicle.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analyze                REF:   230

TOP:   Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:  Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

 

3. The parents of a newborn ask the nurse what caused the baby’s facial nerve paralysis. The nurse’s response is based on knowledge that this is caused by a(n):

a.	genetic defect.
b.	birth injury.
c.	spinal cord injury.
d.	inborn error of metabolism.

 

 

ANS:  B

Pressure on the facial nerve during delivery may result in injury to cranial nerve VII, which can occur with birth injury. A genetic defect, spinal cord injury, or inborn error of metabolism would not cause facial paralysis.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understand            REF:   231

TOP:   Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning

MSC:  Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

 

4. A mother is upset because her newborn has erythema toxicum neonatorum. The nurse should reassure her that this is:

a.	easily treated.
b.	benign and transient.
c.	usually not contagious.
d.	usually not disfiguring.

 

 

ANS:  B

Erythema toxicum neonatorum, or newborn rash, is a benign, self-limiting eruption of unknown cause that usually appears within the first 2 days of life. The rash usually lasts about 5 to 7 days. No treatment is indicated. Erythema toxicum neonatorum is not contagious. Successive crops of lesions heal without pigmentation.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Apply                   REF:   232

TOP:   Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning

MSC:  Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

 

5. What is oral candidiasis (thrush) in the newborn?

a.	Bacterial infection that is life threatening in the neonatal period
b.	Bacterial infection of mucous membranes that responds readily to treatment
c.	Yeastlike fungal infection of mucous membranes that is relatively common
d.	Benign disorder that is transmitted from mother to newborn during the birth process only

 

 

ANS:  C

Oral candidiasis, characterized by white adherent patches on the tongue, palate, and inner aspects of the cheeks, is not uncommon in newborns. Candida albicans is the usual causative organism. Oral candidiasis is usually a benign disorder in the newborn, often confined to the oral and diaper regions. It is caused by a yeastlike organism and is treated with good hygiene, application of a fungicide, and correction of any underlying disorder. Thrush can be transmitted in several ways, including by maternal transmission during delivery; person-to-person transmission; and contaminated bottles, hands, or other objects.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understand            REF:   232

TOP:   Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:   Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance