A nurse is caring for a preterm newborn who is in an incubator to maintain a neutral thermal environment. The father of the newborn asks the nurse why this is necessary.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
“Preterm newborns have a smaller body surface area than normal newborns”
“Preterm newborns lack adequate temperature control mechanisms”
“The heat in the incubator rapidly dries the sweat of preterm newborns”
“The added brown fat layer in preterm newborn reduces his ability to generate heat” .
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While it is true that preterm newborns have a smaller body surface area than full-term newborns, this is not the primary reason for using an incubator. A smaller body surface area can contribute to heat loss, but the main issue is the lack of adequate temperature control mechanisms.
Choice B rationale
Preterm newborns lack the adequate temperature control mechanisms that full-term newborns have. They have less subcutaneous fat to insulate them and a higher surface area to volume ratio, which increases heat loss. They also lack the ability to shiver to generate heat.
Therefore, an incubator is used to maintain a neutral thermal environment.
Choice C rationale
The heat in the incubator does not rapidly dry the sweat of preterm newborns. In fact, preterm newborns do not sweat as efficiently as full-term newborns or adults, so they are less likely to lose heat through sweating.
Choice D rationale
The statement that the added brown fat layer in preterm newborn reduces his ability to generate heat is incorrect. In fact, preterm newborns have less brown fat than full-term newborns. Brown fat is a type of fat that generates heat when metabolized, and it is an important source of heat for newborns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Projectile vomiting after feedings is a classic symptom of pyloric stenosis. This occurs because the enlarged pyloric muscle obstructs the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
Choice B rationale
Absent bowel sounds are not typically associated with pyloric stenosis. While this condition affects the gastrointestinal tract, it does not typically cause a complete absence of bowel sounds.
Choice C rationale
Increased sodium levels are not a typical finding in a newborn with pyloric stenosis. In fact, these infants may have low sodium levels due to vomiting.
Choice D rationale
A golf ball-sized mass over the left quadrant is not a typical finding in a newborn with pyloric stenosis. The classic physical examination finding in pyloric stenosis is a palpable “olive-like” mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common condition in newborns, especially those born to mothers with diabetes, those who are small for their gestational age, or those who have been stressed during birth. It’s important to monitor the newborn’s serum glucose level and report any abnormalities to the healthcare provider.
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