Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What is a significant sign of respiratory distress in a neonate?

1. Increased urination

2. Tachypnea

3. Bradycardia

4. Decreased appetite

The correct answer is: Tachypnea

Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a significant sign of respiratory distress in neonates. It often indicates that the neonate is experiencing difficulty in breathing, which can be due to various underlying issues such as infection, lung disease, or other respiratory conditions. In neonates, a respiratory rate greater than 60 breaths per minute is considered tachypnea and warrants further assessment. In the context of respiratory distress, tachypnea serves as an early indicator that the infant may not be receiving adequate oxygen. This can lead to further evaluations, such as checking oxygen saturation levels or assessing for other signs of distress, including nasal flaring, grunting, or retractions. Other options, while they may appear relevant to a neonate's overall health, do not specifically indicate respiratory distress. Increased urination may relate to metabolic or feeding issues, bradycardia (slow heart rate) can be seen in various contexts including apnea but is not a direct marker of respiratory distress, and decreased appetite often correlates with a general state of illness but does not singularly indicate respiratory problems. Therefore, tachypnea stands out as a critical sign that requires immediate attention in a neonate suspect of having respiratory distress.