A nurse is caring for a newborn who is at 34 weeks of gestation, weighs 1,550 g, and has nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, expiratory grunting, and mild cyanosis. The nurse should place the newborn in an incubator for which of the following reasons?
The newborn's temperature control mechanism is immature.
Heat increases the flow of oxygen to the newborn's extremities.
The newborn has a small body surface for his weight.
Heat facilitates the drainage of mucus for a premature newborn.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Activating respiratory arrest procedures is not necessary in this situation. The newborn's respiratory rate, although slightly elevated, does not indicate respiratory arrest. Instead, such procedures are reserved for situations where the newborn has stopped breathing or is in acute respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
Requesting an order for supplemental oxygen may be premature. The newborn's respiration rate of 44/min, although shallow with periods of apnea, is still within the normal range for a newborn. Providing supplemental oxygen should be considered when the newborn is showing signs of significant respiratory distress or if oxygen saturation levels are low.
Choice C rationale:
The most appropriate action in this scenario is to continue routine monitoring of the newborn's respiratory rate and overall condition. Newborns often exhibit irregular breathing patterns, including periods of apnea, especially in the first few hours after birth. As long as the newborn's color, heart rate, and overall appearance are stable, routine monitoring is appropriate.
Choice D rationale:
There is no need to report the observation to the charge nurse immediately, as the newborn's respiratory rate and pattern fall within the expected range for a 12-hour-old newborn.
Reporting should be considered when there are significant deviations from the norm or if the newborn's condition deteriorates.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Iron is crucial for the development of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body, including the bones, but it does not directly facilitate bone growth.
Choice B rationale:
While newborns do metabolize iron, their iron stores are limited, and breast milk alone may not meet their iron needs.
Choice C rationale:
When educating a parent about the use of iron-fortified formula for their newborn, it is essential to convey that newborns have a limited store of iron, which begins to deplete around the age of 6 months.
Choice D rationale:
Iron facilitating eyesight development is not a relevant aspect to consider when discussing the use of iron-fortified formula for a newborn. While iron is essential for various physiological functions, it is not specifically linked to eyesight development.
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