A nurse is caring for a client who has their newborn placed skin to skin immediately following birth with a temperature of 37° C (98.6" F). Which of the following interventions by the nurse would place the newborn at higher risk for hypothermia?
Dry and stimulate newborn with towel.
Place a hat on the newborn's head.
Maintain the delivery room temperature at 20° C (68° F)
Place a blanket on top of maternal dent and newborn.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Dry and stimulate newborn with towel:
Drying and stimulating the newborn immediately after birth is a standard practice to prevent heat loss and promote early bonding. This action helps to prevent heat loss through evaporation and stimulates the newborn to breathe. It is an appropriate intervention to reduce the risk of hypothermia, not increase it.
B) Place a hat on the newborn's head:
Placing a hat on the newborn’s head is an appropriate and helpful intervention. Since a significant amount of heat is lost through the head, especially in newborns who have a larger surface area relative to their body mass, keeping the head covered with a hat helps to retain warmth and reduce the risk of hypothermia. This would not place the newborn at risk for hypothermia.
C) Maintain the delivery room temperature at 20° C (68° F):
A delivery room temperature of 20° C (68° F) is on the lower end of the recommended range for newborn care. Newborns are particularly susceptible to heat loss due to their high surface area-to-body weight ratio and immature thermoregulation system. A cooler environment like 20°C increases the risk of hypothermia, as the newborn will lose heat more quickly than it can generate on its own.
D) Place a blanket on top of maternal and newborn:
Placing a blanket over the mother and newborn is an appropriate intervention to prevent heat loss. This promotes warmth by reducing heat loss from the newborn's body surface to the cooler environment. This would not place the newborn at risk for hypothermia; instead, it helps to maintain body temperature.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","E","I","K"]
Explanation
The newborn's assessment findings that require follow-up:
Temperature 35.7°C (96.3°F) at 2200:
Hypothermia in newborns can lead to cold stress, which increases the risk of respiratory distress and hypoglycemia. The newborn’s temperature should be closely monitored, and warming measures should be initiated to prevent further complications.
Respiratory rate 68/min at 2200:
A respiratory rate above 60 breaths per minute in a newborn is considered tachypnea and can indicate respiratory distress or underlying conditions such as infection. The newborn should be further evaluated to determine the cause of the tachypnea and to ensure proper oxygenation.
Sternal retractions at 2200:
Sternal retractions suggest that the newborn is experiencing increased work of breathing, which is a key sign of respiratory distress. This requires immediate evaluation to assess the severity and identify potential causes, such as respiratory infections or inadequate ventilation.
Coarse rhonchi in bilateral lung fields at 2200:
The presence of coarse rhonchi indicates abnormal breath sounds, often related to fluid retention or infection in the lungs. This finding requires further assessment and possibly interventions to clear the airway and support respiratory function.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
Uterine rupture: A client in active labor with a history of prior vaginal birth is at risk for uterine rupture, particularly when experiencing intense contractions and increasing pelvic pressure. While previous vaginal delivery lowers the risk compared to a history of cesarean section, prolonged or strong contractions can still contribute to uterine rupture, especially if there is an undiagnosed uterine scar or excessive uterine stress.
Increasing pelvic pressure: The client reports increasing pelvic pressure despite receiving an epidural, which can be a sign of impending uterine rupture. While pelvic pressure is expected during labor, a sudden or intense sensation, particularly in the setting of strong contractions and rapid cervical dilation, warrants close monitoring.
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