Healthcare and Nursing Maternal & Newborn Nursing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the normal respiratory rate for a term newborn?
- 10–20 breaths per minute
- 30–60 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- 20–30 breaths per minute
- 60–80 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 30–60 breaths per minute
Normal newborn respiratory rate is 30–60 breaths per minute; rates persistently above 60 may indicate respiratory distress.
Question 2: Why is vitamin K administered intramuscularly to newborns shortly after birth?
- To prevent neonatal sepsis
- To prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (Correct answer)
- To promote intestinal colonization with beneficial bacteria
- To enhance passive immune function
Correct answer: To prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
Newborns lack sufficient vitamin K-dependent clotting factors; prophylactic IM vitamin K prevents potentially life-threatening hemorrhagic disease.
Question 3: Physiologic jaundice in a term newborn typically appears at what time?
- At birth
- Within the first 24 hours of life
- Between 48–72 hours after birth (Correct answer)
- After 7 days of life
Correct answer: Between 48–72 hours after birth
Physiologic jaundice appears after 24 hours of life, typically peaking around day 3–5; jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours is pathologic and warrants urgent evaluation.
Question 4: Which sleep position should the nurse teach parents to reduce the risk of SIDS?
- Prone (on the stomach)
- Side-lying with head of bed elevated
- Supine (on the back) on a firm, flat surface (Correct answer)
- Semi-reclined position in an infant car seat
Correct answer: Supine (on the back) on a firm, flat surface
The AAP 'Back to Sleep' campaign recommends placing infants supine on a firm, flat sleep surface to significantly reduce SIDS risk.
Question 5: A breastfeeding mother reports painful cracked nipples. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- Recommend formula supplementation to rest the nipples
- Assess latch technique and infant positioning at the breast (Correct answer)
- Apply hydrocortisone cream to the nipples after each feeding
- Advise the mother to use an electric breast pump instead
Correct answer: Assess latch technique and infant positioning at the breast
Poor latch is the leading cause of nipple pain and trauma during breastfeeding; correcting the latch is the first and most effective intervention.
Question 6: Which finding best indicates adequate hydration in a breastfed newborn after day 4 of life?
- 6–10 wet diapers per day (Correct answer)
- 2–3 wet diapers per day
- Dark yellow, concentrated urine
- No urination in the first 12 hours
Correct answer: 6–10 wet diapers per day
By day 4, a well-hydrated breastfed newborn should produce 6–10 wet diapers daily, reflecting adequate milk intake and fluid balance.
Question 7: A newborn's blood glucose is 38 mg/dL at one hour of age. What is the priority nursing action?
- Notify the physician and prepare for IV dextrose infusion
- Recheck blood glucose in 4 hours without intervention
- Initiate early oral feeding with breast milk or formula (Correct answer)
- Document as a normal finding and continue routine monitoring
Correct answer: Initiate early oral feeding with breast milk or formula
A blood glucose below 45 mg/dL in the first hour of life warrants intervention; early oral feeding is the first-line approach before escalating to IV therapy.
Healthcare and Nursing Maternal & Newborn Nursing 2
What is the normal respiratory rate for a term newborn?