What is the result of hypothermia in the newborn?
Decreased metabolic rate
Decreased oxygen demands
Shivering to generate heat
Increased glucose demands
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A) Decreased metabolic rate is incorrect because this is not a result of hypothermia in the newborn, but rather a cause of it. Metabolic rate is the speed at which the body uses energy to perform its functions. Newborns have a high metabolic rate, which helps them to maintain a normal body temperature of 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). However, some factors can lower the metabolic rate of newborns, such as prematurity, low birth weight, infection, or hypoglycemia. A low metabolic rate can make the newborn more susceptible to heat loss and hypothermia, which is a condition that occurs when the body temperature drops below 36°C (96.8°F). Therefore, this response is inaccurate and misleading.
Choice B) Decreased oxygen demands is incorrect because this is not a result of hypothermia in the newborn, but rather a consequence of it. Oxygen demand is the amount of oxygen that the body needs to function properly.
Newborns have a high oxygen demand, which helps them to support their growth and development. However, some factors can decrease the oxygen demand of newborns, such as hypothermia, sedation, or asphyxia. A low oxygen demand can impair the oxygen delivery and utilization by the tissues and organs, leading to hypoxia, acidosis, or organ failure. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice C) Shivering to generate heat is incorrect because this is not a result of hypothermia in the newborn, but rather a mechanism that is absent in them. Shivering is an involuntary contraction of the muscles that produces heat and raises the body temperature. It is a common response to cold exposure in adults and older children, but not in newborns. Newborns do not have the ability to shiver, as their muscles are immature and lack glycogen stores.
Instead, they rely on other methods to generate heat, such as non-shivering thermogenesis, which involves burning brown fat in certain areas of the body. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice D) Increased glucose demands is correct because this is a result of hypothermia in the newborn that can cause complications. Glucose demand is the amount of glucose that the body needs to produce energy and maintain its functions. Newborns have a high glucose demand, which helps them to support their metabolic rate and thermoregulation. However, some factors can increase the glucose demand of newborns, such as hypothermia, stress, or infection. A high glucose demand can deplete the glucose stores and cause hypoglycemia, which is a low level of glucose in the blood that can lead to seizures, brain damage, or death. Therefore, this response is clear and accurate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a) Check the baby's diaper is incorrect because this is not a priority action for a baby who is grunting in the neonatal nursery. Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress, which means that the baby is having difficulty breathing and is trying to keep air in the lungs by making a low-pitched sound with each expiration. Checking the baby's diaper may be part of routine care, but it does not address the underlying cause of the grunting or improve the baby's oxygenation. Therefore, this action should be done after assessing and treating the baby's respiratory status.
Choice b) Place a pacifier in the baby's mouth is incorrect because this is not an appropriate action for a baby who is grunting in the neonatal nursery. Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress, which means that the baby is having difficulty breathing and is trying to keep air in the lungs by making a low-pitched sound with each expiration. Placing a pacifier in the baby's mouth may interfere with the baby's breathing and worsen the grunting, as it can obstruct the airway, increase the work of breathing, or cause aspiration. Therefore, this action should be avoided or used with caution for babies who are grunting.
Choice c) Have the mother feed the baby is incorrect because this is not a safe action for a baby who is grunting in the neonatal nursery. Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress, which means that the baby is having difficulty breathing and is trying to keep air in the lungs by making a low-pitched sound with each expiration. Having the mother feed the baby may increase the risk of choking or aspiration, as the baby may not be able to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Therefore, this action should be delayed or modified until the baby's respiratory status improves.
Choice d) Assess the respiratory rate is correct because this is the most important action for a baby who is grunting in the neonatal nursery. Grunting is a sign of respiratory distress, which means that the baby is having difficulty breathing and is trying to keep air in the lungs by making a low-pitched sound with each expiration. Assessing the respiratory rate can help to determine the severity and cause of the respiratory distress, as well as guide further interventions such as oxygen therapy, suctioning, or medication. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 30 to 60 breaths per minute, and it may vary with sleep or activity. A respiratory rate above 60 breaths per minute or below 30 breaths per minute indicates abnormality and requires immediate attention. Therefore, this action should be done as soon as possible for babies who are grunting.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice a) Have the parent fold the infant's arms across the chest is incorrect because this is not a helpful way to calm a preterm infant. Folding the arms across the chest can restrict the infant's breathing and movement, and may increase their stress and discomfort. Preterm infants need gentle and supportive touch, not restraint or pressure.
Choice b) Encourage the parent to place the infant back in the warmer is incorrect because this is not a necessary or beneficial action for a preterm infant who is showing signs of overstimulation. Placing the infant back in the warmer can interrupt the bonding and attachment process between the parent and the infant, and may make the infant feel more isolated and insecure. Preterm infants need close and frequent contact with their parents, not separation or detachment.
Choice c) Encourage the parent to do kangaroo care is correct because this is an effective and evidence-based method of soothing and stabilizing a preterm infant who is experiencing overstimulation. Kangaroo care is a technique where the parent holds the infant skin-to-skin on their chest, providing warmth, comfort, and security. Kangaroo care can reduce the infant's stress hormones, lower their heart rate and blood pressure, improve their oxygenation and breathing, enhance their growth and development, and strengthen their bond with their parent.
Choice d) Cover the infant with a warm bed blanket is incorrect because this is not a sufficient or optimal way to comfort a preterm infant who is displaying signs of overstimulation. Covering the infant with a warm bed blanket can provide some warmth and protection, but it does not offer the same benefits as kangaroo care. A warm bed blanket cannot mimic the parent's heartbeat, voice, smell, and movement, which are essential for the infant's emotional and physiological well-being. Preterm infants need human touch and interaction, not just physical warmth.
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