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 D
Explanation
Determine the client’s temperature. This is because shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period can be a sign of infection, such as endometritis or mastitis. Infection is a serious complication that can lead to sepsis and shock if not treated promptly. The nurse should measure the client’s temperature and look for other signs of infection, such as foul-smelling lochia, breast tenderness, or tachycardia.
Choice A is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not indicated for shaking chills. Seizure precautions are used for clients who have eclampsia or other conditions that increase the risk of seizures.
Choice B is wrong because covering the client with warm blankets may not be helpful for shaking chills. Warm blankets may increase the body temperature and worsen the infection.
Choice C is wrong because notifying the charge nurse is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should assess the client’s condition before reporting to the charge nurse or the provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Injecting the medication into the vastus lateralis. This is because the vastus lateralis is a large muscle in the thigh that is suitable for intramuscular injections in newborns³. The vitamin K injection helps prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding, which is a rare but serious condition that can cause bleeding in the brain or other organs¹. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns receive a single intramuscular dose of 0.5 to 1 mg of vitamin K within one hour of birth².
Choice A is wrong because a 21 gauge needle is too large for a newborn's muscle. A 25 or 27 gauge needle is more appropriate.
Choice B is wrong because injecting at a 45-degree angle may not reach the muscle tissue. A 90-degree angle is more appropriate.
Choice C is wrong because injecting 1cc of medication is too much for a newborn's muscle. The recommended dose of vitamin K is 0.5 to 1 mg, which is equivalent to 0.05 to 0.1 mL.
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