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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While itching can be a side effect of opioid analgesics, it is not the priority observation. Itching can be uncomfortable for the client, but it is not life-threatening.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F) indicates a low-grade fever. While this should be monitored, it is not the priority observation in this situation.
Choice C rationale
The priority observation is the client’s blood pressure. Opioid epidural analgesia can cause hypotension, which can lead to inadequate perfusion to the mother and the fetus. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring the client’s blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Weakness of the lower extremities can be a side effect of epidural analgesia, but it is not the priority observation. The nurse should monitor for this, but it is not as critical as monitoring the client’s blood pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A fundus that is palpable to the right of the midline can indicate a distended bladder. After childbirth, it’s common for women to have difficulty emptying their bladder. If the bladder becomes too full, it can push the uterus to one side.
Choice B rationale
Frequent uterine contractions are not typically associated with a distended bladder. After childbirth, it’s normal for women to experience contractions as the uterus begins to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Choice C rationale
Increased thirst is not typically a sign of a distended bladder. It’s common for women to feel thirsty as their body adjusts after childbirth.
Choice D rationale
Less than 2.5 cm of rubra lochia on the perineal pad is not typically a sign of a distended bladder. Lochia is the vaginal discharge women experience after childbirth. It’s not related to bladder function.
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