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
The recommended time for rubella immunization for a woman who does not have immunity is shortly after giving birth. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is a live virus vaccine and is not recommended during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
While it’s important for a woman to have immunity to rubella before her next pregnancy, waiting until her next attempt to get pregnant to get the vaccine could potentially leave her unprotected if she becomes pregnant sooner than planned.
Choice C rationale
The MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, including in the third trimester.
Choice D rationale
The MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, including in the second trimester.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While providing age-appropriate stimulation is important for all newborns, it is not the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery.
Choice B rationale
Educating the parents about the defect is an important part of care, but it is not the priority nursing goal. The immediate physical needs of the newborn take precedence.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. The sac covering the exposed neural tissue must be carefully protected to prevent infection and further damage. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the sac is the priority nursing goal.
Choice D rationale
Promoting maternal-infant bonding is important, but it is not the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery.
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