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 C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Oxygen saturation 97% on room air: Adequate oxygenation is essential for wound healing because oxygen supports collagen synthesis and tissue repair. An oxygen saturation of 97% indicates sufficient oxygen delivery to tissues and does not place the client at risk for delayed healing.
B. Pain level of 1 on a scale of 0 to 10: Minimal pain suggests effective postoperative pain management and allows the client to move, breathe deeply, and participate in recovery activities. Pain at this level does not negatively impact the wound-healing process.
C. BMI 35: Obesity is associated with delayed wound healing due to poor vascularity in adipose tissue, which reduces oxygen and nutrient delivery to the wound. Increased tension on wound edges and a higher risk of infection also contribute to impaired healing in obese clients.
D. Capillary refill time 1 second: A capillary refill of 1 second reflects adequate peripheral perfusion, which supports effective oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. Normal circulation facilitates the healing process rather than delaying it.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "I can have up to three glasses of wine per day while breastfeeding.": Alcohol passes into breast milk and can affect the infant’s neurologic development and feeding patterns. Regular alcohol intake should be avoided.
B. "I need to drink a glass of fluid each time I nurse and with all meals.": Adequate hydration supports optimal milk production during breastfeeding. Increasing fluid intake each time the mother nurses or eats helps replace fluids lost through lactation and prevents dehydration.
C. "I should avoid all seafood while I am breastfeeding.": Seafood provides essential omega-3 fatty acids that support the infant’s brain and eye development. The mother should only avoid high-mercury fish such as swordfish and king mackerel.
D. "I need to eat a bland diet while breastfeeding, as babies often react to spicy food.": Most infants tolerate varied maternal diets, including spicy foods, without adverse effects. Restricting flavors unnecessarily limits the mother’s nutrition and is not required.
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