Moderate

A newborn has a blue tongue and lips despite drying and warming, while the heart rate is 140 beats per minute. What is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: C. Assess breathing and provide oxygen support

  • A. Document normal peripheral cyanosis
  • B. Place the newborn prone for sleep
  • C. Assess breathing and provide oxygen support
  • D. Offer breastfeeding to improve colour

Explanation

Blue colour of the tongue and lips is central cyanosis and may indicate inadequate oxygenation. The nurse should assess airway and breathing immediately and provide respiratory support according to neonatal resuscitation protocol; blue hands and feet alone can be a normal transitional finding.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Care of the Newborn

Newborn care covers immediate assessment, Apgar scoring, thermal protection, airway management, cord care, identification, vitamin K, early breastfeeding and neonatal resuscitation. It also includes normal newborn findings, prevention of infection, care of premature or low-birth-weight infants, recognition of danger signs, jaundice and safe discharge counselling.

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