The nurse is about to take vital signs on a newborn patient in the nursery.She should:
A)assess respiratory rate after taking a rectal temperature.
B)observe the child's chest while the child is sleeping.
C)call the physician if the rate is over 40.
D)expect that the child will have short periods of apnea.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An irregular respiratory rate and short apneic spells are normal for newborns.Assess respiratory rate before other vital signs or assessments are taken.Children up to age 7 breathe abdominally,so respirations are observed by abdominal movement.Average respiratory rate (breaths per minute)for newborns is 30 to 60;for infants (6 months to 1 year),30 to 50;for toddlers (2 years),25 to 32;and for children from 3 to 12 years,20 to 30.

The Nurse Is About to Take Vital Signs on a Newborn