North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What does retraction of the chest and abdomen in a newborn typically indicate?

1. Normal respiratory function

2. Meconium aspiration syndrome

3. Colic

4. Heart defect

The correct answer is: Meconium aspiration syndrome

Retraction of the chest and abdomen in a newborn is a sign of respiratory distress and indicates that the infant is struggling to breathe. This can often occur in conditions where the lungs are compromised, such as in meconium aspiration syndrome. In this scenario, meconium can obstruct the airways, leading to difficulty in adequate airflow and making the infant work harder to breathe. This situation requires immediate assessment and potentially medical intervention to support the newborn's respiratory function and to clear any obstructions in the airways. Recognizing this sign early is crucial for prompt treatment and can significantly affect the newborn's overall health outcomes. In contrast, normal respiratory function would not exhibit retractions, as the chest and abdomen would move symmetrically and without effort. Colic is associated with gastrointestinal discomfort rather than respiratory issues, and a heart defect might present with different clinical signs such as cyanosis or abnormal heart sounds rather than retractions alone. Thus, meconium aspiration syndrome is the most appropriate interpretation of retraction in this context.