Question

A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 16 hours old. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

a. Irregular respirations.
b. Presence of vernix caseosa.
c. Blood glucose level of 60 mg/dL.
d. Presence of Mongolian spots.

Answer 1

Among the options, irregular respirations in a 16-hour old newborn should be reported as it might indicate distress and the need for medical intervention. Other findings mentioned are typically normal for newborns.

Step-by-step explanation:

In assessing a newborn who is 16 hours old, the finding that should be reported to the provider among the options provided is a. Irregular respirations. While the presence of vernix caseosa and Mongolian spots are normal findings in newborns and a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dL is within the normal range, irregular respirations can be a sign of distress and might indicate that the newborn is struggling with the transition from the womb to independent life.

The Apgar score is a critical assessment tool used to determine a newborn's well-being at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Heart rate and respiration are among the five criteria evaluated, and both are critical measurements. A poor respiration score could indicate the need for immediate medical intervention.