A newborn has a respiratory rate of 58 per minute while crying but settles to 42 per minute when calm. Which interpretation is most appropriate?

Correct answer: B. A normal response to crying

  • A. Persistent respiratory distress
  • B. A normal response to crying
  • C. Severe neonatal apnoea
  • D. Definite respiratory infection

Explanation

Newborns may breathe faster while crying, so the respiratory rate should be counted when the infant is quiet. A settled rate below 60 per minute without distress signs is generally reassuring, although the infant should continue to be observed.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Neonatal Nursing

Neonatal nursing covers the newborn’s transition to extrauterine life, Apgar assessment, thermoregulation, breastfeeding, cord care, routine examination and prevention of infection. It also includes care of premature or low-birth-weight infants, neonatal jaundice, hypoglycaemia, respiratory problems and danger signs requiring urgent referral.

Practise Neonatal Nursing

50 free Neonatal Nursing MCQs from Paediatric Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Paediatric Nursing questions like this

Paediatric Nursing is on 9 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Neonatal Nursing questions