Which findings should a nurse report to the provider for a newborn experiencing respiratory distress?

In newborns, respiratory distress can manifest through various signs indicative of an underlying issue that may require medical intervention. The presence of tachypnea, or rapid breathing, signifies that the newborn is experiencing difficulty maintaining adequate oxygenation. Nasal flaring is a further sign of respiratory compromise, suggesting that the infant is working harder to breathe to increase airflow. These findings often indicate that the infant's respiratory function is impaired and could be symptomatic of conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome or other issues affecting lung function.

Recognizing the severity and combination of these symptoms is critical for timely intervention, making it essential for healthcare providers to be alerted to a newborn exhibiting tachypnea and nasal flaring. This proactive approach helps in determining the need for further evaluation, monitoring, and potential treatment to ensure the newborn’s safety and well-being.

While other symptoms listed, such as apnea and cyanosis, or bradycardia along with temperature instability, are also significant, the combination of tachypnea and nasal flaring directly points to respiratory distress that is critical to address promptly. Similarly, weak cry and poor feeding, although concerning, do not capture the immediate respiratory needs of the newborn as directly as tachypnea and nasal flaring do.