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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a pattern of contractions can be a sign of labor, it is not the definitive sign of true labor. Contractions may also occur in false labor, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions do not lead to changes in the cervix.
Choice B rationale
Changes in the cervix, including effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening), are the definitive signs of true labor. During true labor, contractions lead to progressive changes in the cervix, which allow for the baby to be born.
Choice C rationale
Rupture of the membranes, or “water breaking,” can occur in both true labor and false labor. Therefore, it is not the definitive sign of true labor.
Choice D rationale
The station of the presenting part refers to the position of the baby’s head (or other presenting part) in relation to the mother’s pelvis. While the station can change during labor as the baby descends into the pelvis, it is not the definitive sign of true labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is a common complication from an epidural block16. This occurs because the medication used in the epidural can block sympathetic nerve fibers, which can cause blood vessels to dilate and lead to a drop in blood pressure16.
Choice B rationale
Vomiting is not typically a direct complication of an epidural block16. Nausea and vomiting during labor can have many causes, including the physical process of labor, pain, and medications.
Choice C rationale
Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is not typically a complication of an epidural block16. In fact, some of the medications used in an epidural can actually cause a slower heart rate.
Choice D rationale
While severe respiratory depression can occur with an epidural, it is extremely rare16. More commonly, an epidural can cause a feeling of breathlessness or difficulty taking a deep breath, but it should not cause significant respiratory depression.
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