A nurse is caring for a newborn shortly after birth and places the newborn under a radiant warmer. Which of the following potential complications does this action help to prevent?
Cold stress
Thermogenesis
Shivering
Brown fat production
The Correct Answer is A
This action helps to prevent cold stress. This is because cold stress is a condition where the newborn's core temperature drops below 36.5°C and they use energy and oxygen to generate warmth. This can lead to hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, and an increased risk of infection.
Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer provides thermal stability and prevents heat loss by radiation.
Choice B is wrong because thermogenesis is the process of heat production, not a complication.
Choice C is wrong because shivering is a mechanism of heat production in adults, not in newborns.
Choice D is wrong because brown fat production is a normal feature of newborns that helps them generate heat by lipolysis.
Here is an image of a newborn under a radiant warmer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. SIDS is more likely to occur when infants sleep on their stomachs or sides, or when they are propped up with pillows or other soft bedding. These positions can interfere with the infant's breathing and increase the risk of suffocation or overheating .
Choice A is incorrect because gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common condition in infants that causes them to spit up frequently after feeding. GER does not increase the risk of SIDS and can be managed by feeding smaller amounts, burping the infant often, and keeping them upright for a while after feeding.
Choice C is incorrect because apnea episodes are brief pauses in breathing that occur normally in infants, especially during sleep. Apnea episodes do not increase the risk of SIDS and usually resolve by six months of age.
Choice D is incorrect because sleeping for short intervals is normal for newborns, who need to feed frequently during the day and night. Sleeping for short intervals does not increase the risk of SIDS and will gradually change as the infant grows older.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Sternal or chest retractions. This is because sternal or chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, which means they are having difficulty breathing. Chest retractions occur when the baby's chest pulls in with each breath, indicating that they are using extra muscles to breathe. This can be caused by various conditions that affect the lungs, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.
Choice A is not correct because mucus draining from the nose is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have some mucus in their nose and mouth after birth, which can be cleared by suctioning or wiping.
Mucus drainage does not interfere with breathing unless it is excessive or thick.
Choice B is not correct because cyanosis of the hands and feet is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have bluish discoloration of their hands and feet, called acrocyanosis, for the first few days after birth. This is due to immature circulation and does not indicate a lack of oxygen. Cyanosis of the central parts of the body, such as the face, lips, and tongue, is more concerning and should be reported.
Choice C is not correct because irregular heart rate is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have some variations in their heart rate, especially during sleep cycles. The normal heart rate range for newborns is 100 to 160 beats per minute. A heart rate that is too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) may indicate a problem with the heart or other organs³.
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.