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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
15 mL is not the correct choice because it only considers the first two feedings and does not account for the intake during the entire shift.
Choice B rationale:
30 mL is not the correct choice because it only considers the first three feedings and does not account for the intake during the entire shift.
Choice C rationale:
45 mL is not the correct choice because it only considers the first four feedings and does not account for the intake during the entire shift.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should record 60 mL of formula as the newborn's intake for the shift. To calculate the total intake, you add the amounts from each feeding: 0.5 oz + 1 oz + 0.5 oz + 0.5 oz + 0.5 oz = 60 mL. Remember that 1 fluid ounce (oz) is approximately equal to 30 mL.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not report the client's Hemoglobin level first to the primary health care because it falls within the normal range of 14 to 24 g/dL for a newborn. Therefore, it is not an immediate concern.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should first report the client's Chest x-ray results to the primary health care. The diffuse pattern of radiopaque areas bilaterally on the chest x-ray suggests possible respiratory distress or other respiratory issues in the newborn. This finding requires immediate attention and intervention to ensure proper respiratory function.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should not report the client's Glucose level first to the primary health care as 40 mg/dL is within the normal range of 30 to 60 mg/dL for a newborn. Though it is on the lower side, it is not critically low, and there are more urgent concerns to address.
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