A nurse is caring for a newborn who is placed in a neutral thermal environment.What is the desired outcome of this measure?
To minimize the patient’s oxygen needs.
To facilitate the conversion of glucose to lactic acid.
To decrease the absorption of surfactant from the alveoli.
To increase the patient’s ability to metabolize brown fat stores.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A: To minimize the patient’s oxygen needs.
A neutral thermal environment is an environment in which a neonate maintains a normal body temperature while minimizing energy expenditure and oxygen consumption. This is important for the wellbeing of neonates, especially those who are preterm or have respiratory insufficiency.
Choice B is wrong because the conversion of glucose to lactic acid is not a desired outcome of a neutral thermal environment. This conversion occurs when there is inadequate oxygen supply to the tissues, resulting in anaerobic metabolism and metabolic acidosis.
Choice C is wrong because the absorption of surfactant from the alveoli is not affected by a neutral thermal environment.
Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse. It is produced by type II alveolar cells and secreted into the alveoli.
Choice D is wrong because the metabolism of brown fat stores is not a desired outcome of a neutral thermal environment.
Brown fat is a specialized tissue that generates heat by nonshivering thermogenesis in response to cold stress.
It is located in the nape of the neck, between the scapulae, and around the kidneys and adrenals. It increases the metabolic rate and oxygen consumption of neonates.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A and it indicates fetal distress because it is a sign oflate deceleration.Late decelerations are due touteroplacental insufficiencyas the result of decreased blood flow and oxygen to the fetus during the uterine contractions.This causeshypoxemiaand can lead to fetal acidosis and neurological damage.
Choice B is wrong because it indicates anormal variabilityin the fetal heart rate, which reflects a healthy autonomic nervous system.A normal fetal heart rate is 120-160 beats per minute.
Choice C is wrong because it indicates anearly accelerationin the fetal heart rate, which is a benign finding that may occur with fetal movement or stimulation.
Choice D is wrong because it indicates anearly decelerationin the fetal heart rate, which is a normal response to fetal head compression during contractions.
It does not indicate fetal distress.
Normal ranges for fetal heart rate patterns are:
• Baseline: 120-160 beats per minute
• Variability: 6-25 beats per minute
• Accelerations: at least 15 beats per minute above baseline for at least 15 seconds
• Decelerations: none or early (mirror contractions)
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Arrange for her to meet the staff who will be caring for her during labor and delivery.This measure can help reduce the anxiety and fear of the unknown that a primigravida may have in the last month of pregnancy.Meeting the staff can also help establish rapport and trust, which are essential for a positive birth experience.
Choice A is wrong because an increase in fetal activity does not necessarily require an increase in the need to rest.
Fetal activity is normal and expected, and the mother should monitor it regularly.Resting may help with some discomforts of pregnancy, but it is not directly related to fetal activity.
Choice B is wrong because back labor is not likely for a primigravida with an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Back labor occurs when the fetus is in an occiput posterior position, which puts pressure on the mother’s spine and causes intense pain in the lower back.This position is more common in multiparous women than primigravidas.
Choice D is wrong because testing urine for glucose is not a routine measure for a primigravida with an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Urine glucose testing is done for women who have gestational diabetes or are at risk of developing it.It is not necessary for women who have normal blood glucose levels.
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