A nurse is performing a head-to-toe assessment on a newborn. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent heat loss through conduction?
Conduct the assessment before drying the newborn.
Check the newborn's rectal temperature every hr.
Place the newborn in an open crib for the initial assessment.
Cover scale with warm blankets when weighing the newborn.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Conduct the assessment before drying the newborn: Performing the assessment before drying exposes the newborn’s wet skin to cooler air and surfaces, increasing heat loss through evaporation, not conduction. The newborn should always be thoroughly dried immediately after birth to conserve body heat.
B. Check the newborn's rectal temperature every hr: Frequent temperature monitoring does not prevent heat loss; it only identifies hypothermia after it occurs. Additionally, rectal temperature measurement may cause mucosal injury and is not routinely recommended for newborns.
C. Place the newborn in an open crib for the initial assessment: Placing the newborn in an open crib exposes the infant to cooler air and surfaces, increasing heat loss through convection and conduction. The initial assessment should occur under a radiant warmer to maintain thermal stability.
D. Cover scale with warm blankets when weighing the newborn: Covering the scale prevents conduction heat loss, which occurs when the newborn’s skin comes into contact with cold surfaces. Using a warm blanket or pad ensures the infant’s body heat is preserved during weighing or handling.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Prolonged QT interval: Morphine does not typically cause a prolonged QT interval. QT prolongation is more commonly associated with certain antiarrhythmic or psychotropic medications, not opioid toxicity.
B. Fluid retention: Morphine is not known to cause fluid retention. Signs of toxicity are primarily related to central nervous system and respiratory depression rather than cardiovascular fluid balance.
C. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes: Morphine toxicity usually depresses neurological function, leading to decreased reflexes rather than hyperactivity. Hyperactive reflexes are not characteristic of opioid overdose.
D. Bradypnea: Respiratory depression, manifested as bradypnea, is a hallmark sign of morphine toxicity. Excessive morphine depresses the brainstem respiratory centers, reducing the rate and depth of respirations, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Massage the ointment into the skin.": The ointment should not be massaged into the skin because doing so alters the absorption rate and can cause unpredictable vasodilation and hypotension.
B. "Spread the ointment in a thin, even layer.": The nurse should instruct the client to apply the prescribed amount of nitroglycerin ointment in a thin, even layer to a hairless area of the upper body or chest. This ensures consistent absorption of the medication.
C. "Apply the ointment to the forearm.": The forearm is not a recommended site for application. The preferred areas are the chest, back, or upper arm where the skin is less likely to be disturbed and has better absorption.
D. "Apply the ointment to the skin every 4 hr.": Nitroglycerin ointment is usually applied every 6 to 12 hours depending on the prescription, with a nitrate-free interval to prevent tolerance. Every 4 hours is not standard practice.
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