A mother of a preterm baby is performing skin-to-skin contact in the neonatal nursery. Which of the following responses would the nurse evaluate as a positive neonatal outcome?

Choice A rationale

Gastric problems later in life, such as gastrointestinal motility issues, may occur in infants with myelomeningocele but are not an immediate risk requiring urgent intervention.

Choice B rationale

Respiratory depression is not a direct consequence of myelomeningocele unless associated with other congenital anomalies or complications like Chiari malformation affecting brainstem function.

Choice C rationale

Decreased cardiac output is not a primary concern in myelomeningocele unless secondary to severe infection or other systemic complications, which are less immediate risks.

Choice D rationale

Infection is the greatest immediate risk due to the exposed neural tissue in myelomeningocele, which provides a direct pathway for pathogens, necessitating prompt surgical closure and sterile management.

Choice A rationale

Preterm neonates lack developed mechanisms to shiver for thermogenesis, relying instead on non-shivering thermogenesis primarily through brown fat metabolism, which is underdeveloped in preterm infants.

Choice B rationale

The fetal position does not significantly affect heat retention in preterm neonates, as their thermoregulatory mechanisms depend on adequate fat stores and skin coverage.

Choice C rationale

Blood vessels in preterm neonates are closer to the skin's surface, increasing heat loss due to greater exposure and lack of insulating subcutaneous fat.

Choice D rationale

Preterm neonates have minimal body fat, impeding insulation and heat retention, leading to rapid heat loss, necessitating external warming measures like incubators or radiant warmers.