A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor.
Which of the following nursing actions reflects application of the gate control theory of pain?

Choice A rationale
Placing a newborn under a radiant heat warmer after birth does not directly prevent basal metabolic rate reduction. The primary function of a radiant heat warmer is to maintain the newborn’s body temperature and prevent hypothermia.
Choice B rationale
While brown fat production is a mechanism used by newborns to generate heat, placing a newborn under a radiant heat warmer does not stimulate brown fat production.
Choice C rationale
The primary purpose of placing a newborn under a radiant heat warmer after birth is to maintain the newborn’s body temperature. Newborns can lose heat rapidly, as they have a

large surface area compared to their body weight. The radiant heat warmer provides a controlled environment that helps maintain the newborn’s body temperature.
Choice D rationale
Preventing hypothermia is a key reason for placing a newborn under a radiant heat warmer. However, the direct purpose of the warmer is to maintain the newborn’s body temperature.

Choice A rationale
Increased deposits of fat in the chest and shoulder area are not typically associated with respiratory distress syndrome in a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Choice B rationale
Hyperinsulinemia is a condition in which there are excess levels of insulin circulating in the blood. In the case of a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, the baby’s pancreas may produce extra insulin in response to the mother’s high blood glucose levels. This excess insulin can delay surfactant production, which is needed for lung maturation, leading to respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice C rationale
Brachial plexus injury is a type of birth injury that can occur due to the baby’s large size and difficulty being born. However, it is not the most likely cause of respiratory distress syndrome in a term macrosomic newborn whose mother has poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Choice D rationale

Increased blood viscosity can occur in newborns of mothers with poorly controlled diabetes due to polycythemia (an abnormally high number of red blood cells). However, this is not the most likely cause of respiratory distress syndrome in a term macrosomic newborn.