What physical feature would the nurse expect to find in a newborn with a diaphragmatic hernia?

In a newborn with a diaphragmatic hernia, a barrel-shaped chest is a significant physical feature that can be expected. This condition occurs when there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, which allows abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity. This displacement can prevent the lung on the affected side from developing properly, leading to reduced lung volume and respiratory distress.

As a result, the chest may appear barrel-shaped due to the presence of displaced abdominal contents and compromised lung expansion. Additionally, the barrel shape is often accompanied by the observation of respiratory distress, cyanosis, or failure to adequately oxygenate, which can further support the diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia.

The other options do not accurately reflect the common physical characteristics associated with this condition. A concave abdomen may be seen in various conditions but is not specific to diaphragmatic hernia. Asymmetrical limbs are not a direct consequence of this hernia and are more closely associated with other congenital conditions. An irritable cry may occur in many newborns for various reasons, but it is not a specific indicator of diaphragmatic hernia and does not convey the distinctive physical manifestations of the condition.