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:
Wearing a supportive bra can actually help to manage engorgement, so it's not recommended to avoid wearing one during the day.
Choice B rationale:
Cold compresses are typically applied after feeding to reduce swelling, not before. Applying them before might hinder the milk let-down reflex.
Choice C rationale:
Frequent feeding can help to alleviate engorgement by ensuring that the breasts are being emptied regularly.
Choice D rationale:
Stopping breastfeeding until finishing antibiotics is not advisable, as it can lead to decreased milk supply and potential issues with engorgement. Antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider are usually safe to take while breastfeeding, and interrupting breastfeeding can exacerbate the engorgement problem. This choice is not appropriate for managing breast engorgement and is therefore incorrect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer may provide warmth, but it does not address the observed signs of respiratory distress, jitteriness, and lethargy. These signs indicate potential respiratory and neurological issues, which need to be assessed and managed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Initiating phototherapy is not appropriate for the observed signs of respiratory distress, jitteriness, and lethargy. Phototherapy is used to treat neonatal jaundice caused by elevated bilirubin levels, which is not evident from the given information.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should obtain blood glucose by heel stick to assess the newborn's blood sugar levels. The signs of jitteriness and lethargy may be indicative of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is common in newborns. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the baby's well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Measuring the newborn's blood pressure is not the priority at this moment. The observed signs suggest respiratory distress and potential hypoglycemia, which need immediate attention. Blood pressure assessment may be important later on, but it is not the first action the nurse should take based on the given information.
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