A nurse who is caring for a newborn observes signs of respiratory distress, jitteriness, and lethargy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Placing the newborn in an incubator is essential because the newborn's temperature control mechanism is immature. Premature infants have an underdeveloped thermoregulatory system, making them susceptible to heat loss and cold stress. An incubator provides a controlled, warm environment to maintain the newborn's body temperature within the normal range (around 36.5°C to 37.5°C or 97.7°F to 99.5°F).

Choice B rationale:

Heat increasing the flow of oxygen to the newborn's extremities is not a valid reason for placing the newborn in an incubator. Oxygenation is primarily influenced by respiratory and circulatory mechanisms, not external heat.

Choice C rationale:

The newborn's small body surface area for his weight is not directly related to the need for an incubator. Premature infants have a higher surface area to weight ratio, making them more prone to heat loss, but this is not the primary reason for using an incubator.

Choice D rationale:

Heat facilitating the drainage of mucus is not a reason for placing the newborn in an incubator. Proper positioning and suctioning are used to manage mucus in premature infants, but incubators are primarily for temperature regulation.

Choice A rationale:

Iron will facilitate bone growth. This statement is not accurate in the context of feeding a newborn with iron-fortified formula. While iron is essential for overall growth and development, its primary role is not specifically related to bone growth. Instead, it plays a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in the blood.

Choice B rationale:

Newborns do not metabolize iron adequately. This statement is the correct choice. Newborns have limited iron stores that are obtained from their mothers during pregnancy. As they grow, their iron requirements increase, but their ability to metabolize iron is not fully developed at

birth. Hence, iron-fortified formula is recommended to provide the necessary iron for the newborn's healthy development.

Choice C rationale:

The newborn's iron source will start to deplete. This statement is not accurate in the context of iron-fortified formula feeding. The newborn's initial iron source is the iron stores passed on by the mother during pregnancy. However, the iron-fortified formula is designed to supplement and fulfill the baby's iron needs, preventing depletion of iron stores.

Choice D rationale:

Iron will facilitate eyesight development. This statement is not entirely accurate. While iron is important for many bodily functions, including eye health, it is not specifically responsible for eyesight development in newborns. Visual development in newborns is influenced by various factors, but iron intake through formula feeding directly impacting eyesight is not a primary concern.