A nurse is caring for a newborn who is at 34 weeks of gestation, weighs 1,550 g, and has nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, expiratory grunting, and mild cyanosis. The nurse should place the newborn in an incubator for which of the following reasons?
The newborn's temperature control mechanism is immature.
Heat increases the flow of oxygen to the newborn's extremities.
The newborn has a small body surface for his weight.
Heat facilitates the drainage of mucus for a premature newborn.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The newborn reflex called "rooting”. is characterized by turning the head and opening the mouth when the cheek or mouth area is touched. This reflex helps the newborn find the mother's breast for feeding.
Choice B rationale:
"Stepping”. is a newborn reflex where they make stepping movements when held upright with their feet touching a solid surface. This reflex is present at birth but tends to disappear after a few weeks.
Choice C rationale:
The "Moro”. reflex is also known as the startle reflex. It is elicited by a sudden loss of support or loud noise, causing the newborn to throw their arms and legs out and then bring them back in. This reflex usually disappears around 3 to 4 months of age.
Choice D rationale:
The "Babinski”. reflex is characterized by the extension of the big toe and fanning of the other toes when the sole of the foot is stroked. This reflex is present in newborns and should disappear by around 12 months of age.
Choice E rationale:
"Running”. is not a recognized newborn reflex. There is no reflex with this name related to newborns.
Choice F rationale:
The "gag”. reflex is present in newborns and helps protect the airway by causing a gagging response when the back of the throat is stimulated.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Back to sleep: While placing babies on their backs to sleep is essential for reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it does not prevent flat spots. Instead, tummy time while the baby is awake helps balance the time spent on their back.
B. Take the baby for walks: Taking a baby for walks is beneficial for overall development and stimulation but does not directly prevent flat spots on the head.
C. Keep them awake most of the day: This is not a safe or recommended practice. Babies need sufficient sleep for proper growth and development.
D. Tummy time helps prevent flat spots by reducing the amount of time the baby spends lying on their back. It also strengthens neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, encouraging the baby to move their head more freely and develop motor skills.
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