A nurse is caring for a preterm newborn who is in an incubator to maintain a neutral thermal environment. The father of the newborn asks the nurse why this is necessary.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
“Preterm newborns have a smaller body surface area than normal newborns”
“Preterm newborns lack adequate temperature control mechanisms”
“The heat in the incubator rapidly dries the sweat of preterm newborns”
“The added brown fat layer in preterm newborn reduces his ability to generate heat” .
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While it is true that preterm newborns have a smaller body surface area than full-term newborns, this is not the primary reason for using an incubator. A smaller body surface area can contribute to heat loss, but the main issue is the lack of adequate temperature control mechanisms.
Choice B rationale
Preterm newborns lack the adequate temperature control mechanisms that full-term newborns have. They have less subcutaneous fat to insulate them and a higher surface area to volume ratio, which increases heat loss. They also lack the ability to shiver to generate heat.
Therefore, an incubator is used to maintain a neutral thermal environment.
Choice C rationale
The heat in the incubator does not rapidly dry the sweat of preterm newborns. In fact, preterm newborns do not sweat as efficiently as full-term newborns or adults, so they are less likely to lose heat through sweating.
Choice D rationale
The statement that the added brown fat layer in preterm newborn reduces his ability to generate heat is incorrect. In fact, preterm newborns have less brown fat than full-term newborns. Brown fat is a type of fat that generates heat when metabolized, and it is an important source of heat for newborns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: A postmature newborn, or one born after 42 weeks of gestation, is likely to exhibit cracked, peeling skin due to the prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid and the absence of vernix. This makes Choice A the correct answer, as it reflects the expected findings for a postmature newborn.
Choice B rationale: Abundant lanugo is typically seen in preterm infants, not postmature infants. Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that covers the fetus and usually disappears by 37 weeks of gestation. Therefore, Choice B is not an expected finding for a postmature newborn.
Choice C rationale: Short, soft fingernails are characteristic of preterm infants. In postmature infants, fingernails are generally long and may extend beyond the fingertips due to prolonged gestation. This makes Choice C an incorrect answer for the expected findings of a postmature newborn.
Choice D rationale: Abundant vernix is typically seen in preterm and term infants. Vernix is a white, cheesy substance that covers the fetal skin to protect it from amniotic fluid. Postmature infants usually have minimal to no vernix present, as it has already been absorbed. Therefore, Choice D is not an expected finding for a postmature newborn.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While blunt force trauma can cause placental abruption, it is not the most common risk factor. Trauma can lead to abruptio placentae, but this is more likely in cases of severe injury.
Choice B rationale
Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for many pregnancy complications, including placental abruption. However, it is not the most common risk factor.
Choice C rationale
Cocaine use can cause abrupt vasoconstriction and is a risk factor for placental abruption. However, it is not the most common risk factor.
Choice D rationale
Hypertension is the most common risk factor for placental abruption. Chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia can all contribute to the risk of developing this condition.
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