A pregnant woman was admitted for induction of labor at 43 weeks of gestation with sure dates. A nonstress test in the obstetrician's office revealed a nonreactive tracing

Question

Upon artifi-cial rupture of membranes, thick meconium-stained fluid was noted. The nurse caring for the infant after birth should anticipate which of the following? 1. Meconium aspiration, hypoglycemia, and dry cracked skin
2. Excessive vernix caseosa covering the skin, lethargy, and respiratory distress syndrome
3. Golden yellow to green-stained skin and nails, absence of scalp hair, and in-creased amount of subcutaneous fat
4. Hyperglycemia, hyperthermia, and an alert, wide-eyed appearance

Answer 1

1
1. Correct. These infant findings are consistent with a postmature infant.
2. Incorrect. These findings are consistent with a very premature infant.
3. Incorrect. The skin may be meconium stained, but the infant would most likely have longer hair and decreased amounts of subcutaneous fat.
4. Incorrect. Postmaturity with a nonreactive NST is indicative of hypoxia. Signs and symptoms associated with fetal hypoxia are hypoglycemia, temperature instability, and le-thargy.