A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately after birth. Which of the following actions by the nurse reduces evaporative heat loss by the newborn?
Maintaining ambient room temperature at 24° C (75° F).
Drying the newborn's skin thoroughly.
Preventing air drafts.
Placing the newborn on a warm surface.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Maintaining ambient room temperature at 24° C (75° F) can help prevent heat loss by keeping the environment warm, but it does not specifically address evaporative heat loss. Evaporative heat loss occurs when moisture on the skin evaporates, which is not directly controlled by ambient temperature.
B. Drying the newborn's skin thoroughly reduces evaporative heat loss by removing moisture that can evaporate and cool the skin. This action is critical immediately after birth when the newborn is wet with amniotic fluid.
C. Preventing air drafts helps reduce convective heat loss, not evaporative heat loss. Convective heat loss occurs when air moves across the skin and carries heat away.
D. Placing the newborn on a warm surface helps reduce conductive heat loss by preventing heat transfer from the baby to a cooler surface. However, this does not address evaporative heat loss, which is specifically related to moisture evaporation from the skin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying crushed cabbage leaves to the breasts can be a traditional remedy to help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with engorgement.
Choice B rationale:
Wearing a snug-fitting bra can help provide support to the breasts and reduce discomfort from breast engorgement. It can also help to avoid stimulation of the breasts, which can decrease milk production in a client who is not breastfeeding. This is an appropriate comfort measure for the client.
Choice C rationale:
Stimulating the nipples by squeezing softly can lead to increased milk production and exacerbate breast engorgement. For a client who is not breastfeeding, this action is not recommended and may worsen the engorgement.
Choice D rationale:
Applying ice packs to the breasts can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort from breast engorgement. This is an appropriate comfort measure for the client who is not breastfeeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the newborn in an incubator is essential because the newborn's temperature control mechanism is immature. Premature infants have an underdeveloped thermoregulatory system, making them susceptible to heat loss and cold stress. An incubator provides a controlled, warm environment to maintain the newborn's body temperature within the normal range (around 36.5°C to 37.5°C or 97.7°F to 99.5°F).
Choice B rationale:
Heat increasing the flow of oxygen to the newborn's extremities is not a valid reason for placing the newborn in an incubator. Oxygenation is primarily influenced by respiratory and circulatory mechanisms, not external heat.
Choice C rationale:
The newborn's small body surface area for his weight is not directly related to the need for an incubator. Premature infants have a higher surface area to weight ratio, making them more prone to heat loss, but this is not the primary reason for using an incubator.
Choice D rationale:
Heat facilitating the drainage of mucus is not a reason for placing the newborn in an incubator. Proper positioning and suctioning are used to manage mucus in premature infants, but incubators are primarily for temperature regulation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.