A nurse is planning care immediately following birth for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid.

Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A rationale
Preterm newborns do not have a thick layer of brown fat. Brown fat is a type of fat that generates heat and is typically found in full-term newborns. It helps them maintain their body temperature. Preterm newborns have less brown fat, which makes them more susceptible to hypothermia.
Choice B rationale
Shivering is a mechanism used by the body to generate heat when it’s cold. However, preterm newborns cannot shiver. Their nervous systems are not fully developed, and they lack the muscle coordination necessary to shiver.
Choice C rationale
Sweating is another mechanism the body uses to regulate temperature. When the body is too warm, it produces sweat to cool down. However, preterm newborns do not sweat to cool off when they get too warm. Their sweat glands are not fully developed, and they may not be able to sweat effectively.
Choice D rationale
Preterm newborns have less muscle tone, which exposes more body surfaces to heat loss. Muscle tone provides insulation and generates heat. Because preterm newborns have less muscle mass, they have less insulation and generate less heat, making them more susceptible to hypothermia.

Choice A rationale
Avoiding performing sterile vaginal examinations does not directly address the issue of uterine atony and excessive bleeding. While limiting vaginal examinations can reduce the risk of infection, it does not treat uterine atony.
Choice B rationale
Administering betamethasone IM is not the appropriate action. Betamethasone is a steroid medication that is often given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm birth to help mature the baby’s lungs. It does not treat uterine atony or excessive bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a specimen for a Kleihauer-Betke test is not the appropriate action in this situation. The Kleihauer-Betke test is used to detect fetal blood in maternal circulation, which is not relevant in this case.
Choice D rationale
Anticipating a prescription for misoprostol is the correct action. Misoprostol is a medication that can be used to treat uterine atony by causing the uterus to contract, which can help control postpartum bleeding.