Exhibit 1. A nurse understands which of the following assessment findings as a priority to indicate that a newborn may be experiencing cold stress and burning brown fat to produce heat? (Select all that apply.).
Respiratory distress.
Hyperglycemia.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer : A,D
Choice A rationale:
Respiratory distress is a priority assessment finding that indicates a newborn may be experiencing cold stress. Cold stress can cause the baby's body to burn brown fat to generate heat, leading to increased oxygen demand and respiratory distress as a compensatory mechanism.
Choice B rationale:
Hyperglycemia is not associated with cold stress. Instead, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a concern in newborns experiencing cold stress as they deplete their glucose stores to maintain body temperature.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is not a priority assessment finding for cold stress. Metabolic acidosis (not listed in the options) can be associated with cold stress due to increased anaerobic metabolism, but it is not one of the provided choices.
Choice D rationale:
Hypoglycemia is a priority assessment finding associated with cold stress. As the baby's body uses glucose to produce heat from burning brown fat, it can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels, which is a significant concern in newborns.
Choice E rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is not listed among the provided choices, but it can be associated with cold stress due to the increased production of lactic acid from anaerobic metabolism when trying to generate heat.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Drying the baby thoroughly is not directly related to assessing the successful transition of the respiratory system. It is essential for warmth and comfort but does not provide specific information about the respiratory system.
Choice B rationale:
Suctioning the mouth and nose with a bulb syringe to clear mucus is important to ensure the airways are clear and the newborn can breathe effectively. This action helps assess the airway patency and successful initiation of breathing.
Choice C rationale:
Observing the chest and abdomen is crucial to assess the respiratory effort and symmetry. Normal chest movements and equal rise and fall of the abdomen indicate a successful transition of the respiratory system.
Choice D rationale:
Counting the number of respirations per minute is essential to determine if the respiratory rate falls within the expected reference range (around 30-60 breaths per minute for a newborn) and if there are any irregularities.
Choice E rationale:
Observing the color of the mucous membranes is important as cyanosis (blue discoloration) may indicate inadequate oxygenation. Pink mucous membranes are a positive sign, indicating a successful transition of the respiratory system.
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