Which of these is a characteristic of a preterm infant?
Hypertonia.
Long toenails.
Lanugo.
Dry skin.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Hypertonia is not a characteristic of a preterm infant, but rather of a post-term infant. Hypertonia means increased muscle tone or stiffness, which is more common in infants who are overdue. Preterm infants have poor muscle tone and less subcutaneous fat.
Choice B reason:
Long toenails are also not a characteristic of a preterm infant but of a post-term infant. Long toenails indicate that the infant has grown beyond the expected gestational age. Preterm infants have short and brittle nails.
Choice C reason:
Lanugo is a characteristic of a preterm infant. Lanugo is fine, downy hair that covers the body of the fetus. It usually disappears by the 36th week of gestation, but preterm infants may still have it at birth.
Choice D reason:
Dry skin is not a characteristic of a preterm infant but of a post-term infant. Dry skin indicates that the infant has lost moisture and subcutaneous fat due to prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid. Preterm infants have thin and transparent skin that may be covered by vernix caseosa, a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin from the amniotic fluid.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Discard unused formula in used bottle after 2 hours:Once a baby has started drinking from a bottle, bacteria from the baby’s mouth can contaminate the formula. Any leftover formula should be discarded after 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of infection.
B. Never prop a bottle:Propping a bottle can lead to choking, ear infections, and dental issues (such as baby bottle tooth decay). Babies should always be held upright during feedings.
C. Formula is available in three forms:Infant formula is available in three types:Ready-to-feed (no mixing needed),Liquid concentrate (mix with water),Powdered formula (mix with water).
E. Store prepared bottles in the refrigerator:If formula is prepared in advance, it must be stored in the refrigerator (≤ 4°C or 40°F) and used within 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Incorrect Answer:
D. Warm the bottle in the microwave:Microwaving heats unevenly, creating hot spots that can burn the baby’s mouth. Instead, warm bottles by placing them in warm water for a few minutes and always test the temperature on the wrist before feeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Heat facilitates the drainage of mucus for a premature newborn. This is incorrect because heat does not affect mucus drainage. Mucus drainage is more related to suctioning and hydration.
Choice B reason:
The newborn has a small body surface for his weight. This is incorrect because a small body surface area for weight would indicate a large newborn, not a premature one. A large newborn would have less risk of heat loss than a small one.
Choice C reason:
The newborn's temperature control mechanism is immature. This is correct because premature newborns have immature thermoregulation and are prone to hypothermia. Placing the newborn in an incubator helps maintain a stable temperature and prevent further complications.
Choice D reason:
Heat increases the flow of oxygen to the newborn's extremities. This is incorrect because heat does not directly affect oxygen delivery. Oxygen delivery is more related to ventilation, perfusion, and hemoglobin levels. The question is about a premature newborn who has signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, expiratory grunting, and mild cyanosis. These signs indicate that the newborn is having difficulty breathing and may have a condition such as respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, or meconium aspiration syndrome. The nurse should place the newborn in an incubator to provide warmth and prevent heat loss, which can worsen respiratory distress. The nurse should also monitor the newborn's vital signs, oxygen saturation, blood gases, chest x-ray, and neonatal abstinence scoring system if indicated. The nurse should be prepared to administer oxygen, surfactant, or mechanical ventilation as ordered.
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