5. A newborn suspected of having Down syndrome is held in the nursery for observation. For what acute health problems should a nurse observe?
Select all that apply .
5. A newborn suspected of having Down syndrome is held in the nursery for observation. For what acute health problems should a nurse observe?
Select all that apply .
. Congenital heart disease.
. Mental retardation.
. Cleft palate.
. Infertility.
. Tracheoesophageal fistula.
. Respiratory distress.
Test-Taking Tip
The key words in the stem of the question are "newborn" and "acute."
Content Area: Child Health, Neurological; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Pathophysiology
. . . .
Answer 1 is correct because children with Down syndrome have a greater incidence of congenital heart disease. A nurse should observe for symptoms of a cardiac defect (e.g., murmur, pallor, and hypoxemia). Answer 2 is incorrect because, although children with Down syndrome have varying degrees of retardation, this is not a problem in the newborn period. Answer 3 is correct because children with Down syndrome have a greater incidence of cleft palate. A nurse should assess the oral cavity for structural abnormality. Answer 4 is incorrect because, although children with Down syndrome are likely to be infertile, this is not a problem in the newborn period. Answer 5 is correct because children with Down syndrome have a greater incidence of tracheoesophageal fistula. A nurse should observe if the child chokes or becomes hypoxic during feedings. Answer 6 is correct because children with Down syndrome have floppy airways and are prone to aspiration and respiratory infection.