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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The correct guidance includes giving the newborn sponge baths until the cord stump falls off, which helps to keep the area dry. It is essential to keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry to prevent infection. Submerging the cord stump in water could increase the risk of infection.
Choice B rationale:
Covering the cord with the diaper is not advisable. The diaper could trap moisture around the cord stump, leading to a higher risk of infection. The cord stump should be exposed to air as much as possible to aid in drying and healing.
Choice C rationale:
Washing the cord with mild soap and water is not necessary and could introduce moisture, which should be avoided. Instead, the stump should be cleaned gently with a soft, dry cloth if it gets dirty.
Choice D rationale:
Wrapping the cord in petroleum jelly gauze is not a recommended practice. Applying petroleum jelly or other substances to the cord stump can interfere with the drying process and increase the risk of bacterial growth, leading to infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
One ounce is equivalent to 29.57 ml (30 mls when rounded off to the nearest whole number). This conversion is essential in pediatric care, especially when administering medications to infants, as doses are often prescribed in milliliters.
Choice B rationale:
One ounce is equivalent to 29.57 ml (30 mls when rounded off to the nearest whole number). This conversion is essential in pediatric care, especially when administering medications to infants, as doses are often prescribed in milliliters.
Choice C rationale:
One ounce is equivalent to 29.57 ml (30 mls when rounded off to the nearest whole number). This conversion is essential in pediatric care, especially when administering medications to infants, as doses are often prescribed in milliliters.
Choice D rationale:
One ounce is equivalent to 29.57 ml (30 mls when rounded off to the nearest whole number). This conversion is essential in pediatric care, especially when administering medications to infants, as doses are often prescribed in milliliters.
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