A newborn has repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal distension, and fails to pass meconium during the first day. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct answer: B. Report the findings promptly for urgent assessment

  • A. Offer frequent extra feeds to stimulate the bowel
  • B. Report the findings promptly for urgent assessment
  • C. Give a rectal thermometer to stimulate stool passage
  • D. Reassure the parents that this is normal transition

Explanation

Failure to pass meconium with distension and vomiting may indicate intestinal obstruction or another urgent disorder. Extra feeds and rectal stimulation can worsen the condition and should not replace medical assessment.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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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.

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