A newborn infant is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. Which of the following would the nurse recognize as the earliest clinical sign of respiratory distress?

The correct answer is C. Sternal and subcostal retractions. (A) Cyanosis is a late clinical sign of respiratory distress. (B) Rapid respirations are normal in a newborn. (C) The newborn has to exert an extra effort for ventilation, which is accomplished by using the accessory muscles of ventilation. The diaphragm and abdominal muscles…

Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

Question

Options

ACyanosis
BIncreased respirations
CSternal and subcostal retractions
DDecreased respirations

How the community answered

(56 responses)

A
2% (1)
B
2% (1)
C
93% (52)
D
4% (2)

Explanation

(A) Cyanosis is a late clinical sign of respiratory distress. (B) Rapid respirations are normal in a newborn. (C) The newborn has to exert an extra effort for ventilation, which is accomplished by using the accessory muscles of ventilation. The diaphragm and abdominal muscles are immature and weak (D) Decreased respirations are a late clinical sign. In the newborn, decreased respirations precede respiratory failure.

Topics

#neonatal respiratory distress#sternal retractions#newborn assessment#earliest clinical sign

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