Newborn NCLEX Questions With Answers

After the birth of an infant, the normal heart rate within 3 minutes is between 120 and 160 beats per minute.

A newborn child whose mother has diabetes is at risk of hypoglycemia. Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels in the mother, which can pass on to the baby during pregnancy. After birth, when the baby is no longer receiving the high levels of glucose from the mother, their own blood sugar levels can drop rapidly, leading to hypoglycemia. This is because the baby's pancreas may still produce insulin in response to the high blood sugar levels it experienced in the womb. Therefore, hypoglycemia is a potential complication for newborns of mothers with diabetes.

The statement contradicts the commonly accepted notion that children require significant care and attention from their parents or caregivers. It suggests that the mother should receive more attention, which goes against the traditional understanding of parenting responsibilities. This statement is not supported by research or societal norms, making it false.

A newborn whose mother has diabetes is at risk for macrosomia, which is the excessive growth of the baby during pregnancy. This occurs because high blood sugar levels in the mother can lead to increased insulin production in the baby, causing rapid growth. Macrosomia can lead to complications during birth, such as shoulder dystocia, where the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone. It can also increase the risk of injury to both the mother and the baby during delivery.

The expected respiratory rate of a neonate for the first 3 minutes after birth can be as high as 60 breaths per minute. This is a normal range for newborns as they adjust to breathing outside the womb.

The primary critical observation for Apgar scoring is the heart rate. Apgar scoring is a method used to quickly assess the health of a newborn baby. It evaluates five vital signs: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. The heart rate is considered the most important observation because it reflects the baby's overall cardiovascular function and can indicate any potential cardiac issues.

The correct answer is respiration, pulse, and temperature. This sequence is recommended because it allows the nurse first to assess the newborn's breathing, followed by their heart rate and then body temperature. This order is important as abnormal respiratory rates can indicate respiratory distress and abnormal heart rates can indicate cardiac issues. Temperature measurement is done last as it can be influenced by external factors and may change during the assessment.

Mothers with diabetes may have an increased risk for high cholesterol, but it does not necessarily mean that all mothers with diabetes are at high risk. Factors such as diet, exercise, genetics, and overall health can also play a role in determining an individual's risk for high cholesterol. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that all mothers with diabetes are at high risk for high cholesterol.

Newborns who have been on formula for 36 to 48 hours should undergo screening for phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is a genetic disorder in which the body cannot break down an amino acid called phenylalanine. If left untreated, it can lead to intellectual disability and other health problems. Screening for PKU involves a blood test to check the levels of phenylalanine in the baby's blood. Early detection and treatment can help manage the condition and prevent complications.

A healthy newborn's respirations should be irregular, abdominal, 30-60 per minute, and shallow. This means that the newborn's breathing pattern may vary and be inconsistent. The breathing is initiated by the movement of the abdomen; the respiratory rate should be between 30-60 breaths per minute, and the breaths are shallow rather than deep. This is considered normal for a healthy newborn and does not indicate any respiratory distress.