A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 30 minutes old in the newborn nursery. Exhibits The condition that poses the greatest risk to the newborn is dropdown due to dropdown.

The condition that poses the greatest risk to the newborn is meconium aspiration syndrome due to amniotic fluid. Rationale for correct answers Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when a newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid, leading to airway obstruction, chemical pneumonitis, and surfactant dysfunction. The presence of dark brown-greenish amniotic fluid, along with mild respiratory distress (nasal flaring, increased respiratory rate of 60/min), raises concern for MAS. Close monitoring for worsening respiratory symptoms is essential. Amniotic fluid contamination with meconium increases the risk of lung inflammation and infection. The newborn’s vigorous condition suggests mild aspiration, but continuous observation is needed. Rationale for incorrect Response 1 options Jaundice: While term newborns may develop physiological jaundice, there are no indications of hyperbilirubinemia or hemolysis in this case. Hypoglycemia: No jitteriness or poor feeding, and birth weight is within normal range; hypoglycemia more commonly affects preterm or low birth weight infants. Cold stress: The newborn is under a radiant warmer, and temperature is within normal range (36.5°C). Rationale for incorrect Response 2 options Birth weight: No signs of growth restriction or macrosomia-associated complications. Acrocyanosis: Normal in newborns due to immature circulation, not an indicator of respiratory compromise. Apgar scores: Strong Apgar scores (8 and 9) suggest good adaptation to extrauterine life.