A nurse is providing teaching to the guardians of a preterm newborn about temperature instability. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Preterm newborns might have a thick layer of brown fat that can cause them to quickly become overheated.
Preterm newborns might shiver to warm up when they get too cool.
Preterm newborns might sweat to cool off when they get too warm.
Preterm newborns might have less muscle tone which exposes more body surfaces to heat loss.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Preterm newborns do not have a thick layer of brown fat. Brown fat is a type of fat that generates heat and is typically found in full-term newborns. It helps them maintain their body temperature. Preterm newborns have less brown fat, which makes them more susceptible to hypothermia.
Choice B rationale
Shivering is a mechanism used by the body to generate heat when it’s cold. However, preterm newborns cannot shiver. Their nervous systems are not fully developed, and they lack the muscle coordination necessary to shiver.
Choice C rationale
Sweating is another mechanism the body uses to regulate temperature. When the body is too warm, it produces sweat to cool down. However, preterm newborns do not sweat to cool off when they get too warm. Their sweat glands are not fully developed, and they may not be able to sweat effectively.
Choice D rationale
Preterm newborns have less muscle tone, which exposes more body surfaces to heat loss. Muscle tone provides insulation and generates heat. Because preterm newborns have less muscle mass, they have less insulation and generate less heat, making them more susceptible to hypothermia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a nurse notes a steady trickle of vaginal bleeding that does not stop with fundal massage after a cesarean birth, administering a 500 mL lactated Ringer’s IV bolus can help increase the client’s circulating volume and support her hemodynamic stability. This is often the first step in managing postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
While evaluating urinary output is an important aspect of postoperative care, it would not directly address the issue of ongoing vaginal bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Applying an ice pack to the incision site can help reduce swelling and provide some pain relief, but it would not address the issue of vaginal bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Replacing the surgical dressing is part of routine postoperative care, but it would not directly address the issue of ongoing vaginal bleeding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A heart rate of 89/min is within the normal range for an adult, and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale
Cool, clammy skin can be a sign of shock or other serious conditions such as hypoperfusion or inadequate blood flow, which could be a sign of hemorrhage or other circulatory issues. This is a significant finding that should be reported to the provider immediately. Hypoperfusion can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the body’s organs and tissues, which can result in organ failure and other serious complications. Therefore, any signs of hypoperfusion, including cool, clammy skin, should be reported to the provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 120/70 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adult, and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice D rationale
Moderate lochia serosa is a normal finding in a woman who is 3 days postpartum. Lochia serosa is the term for the pink or brownish discharge that occurs after lochia rubra, the bright red discharge that occurs immediately after childbirth. Lochia serosa typically begins about 3- 4 days after delivery and can continue for up to 10 days postpartum.
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