A nurse is providing teaching to the guardians of a preterm newborn about temperature instability. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Preterm newborns might have a thick layer of brown fat that can cause them to quickly become overheated.
Preterm newborns might shiver to warm up when they get too cool.
Preterm newborns might sweat to cool off when they get too warm.
Preterm newborns might have less muscle tone which exposes more body surfaces to heat loss.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An oxygen saturation of 89% in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with chest wall retractions and blue discoloration of the hands and feet indicates a decline in the newborn’s status. This level of oxygen saturation is below the normal range for a newborn, which is typically above 95%10111213. This could indicate that the newborn is not getting enough oxygen, which could be due to a variety of conditions, including respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice B rationale
Nasal flaring is a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn. However, it is a nonspecific sign and does not necessarily indicate a decline in the newborn’s status. It could be a normal response to the newborn’s efforts to breathe more effectively.
Choice C rationale
Fine crackles can be a sign of a lung condition in a newborn. However, they are a nonspecific sign and do not necessarily indicate a decline in the newborn’s status. They could be a normal finding in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago.
Choice D rationale
An apneic episode less than 15 seconds in a newborn who was born 2 hours ago is not necessarily indicative of a decline in the newborn’s status. Brief periods of apnea (pauses in breathing) are common in newborns and are usually not a cause for concern unless they last longer than 20 seconds or are associated with other signs of distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is not a normal finding in pregnancy. It could indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or other kidney problems. However, without more information, it’s not possible to determine the significance of this finding in a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation.
Choice B rationale
A BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level of 40 mg/dL is higher than the normal range, which is between 7 and 20 mg/dL17181920. This could indicate that the kidneys are not working properly. However, it could also be due to a high-protein diet, dehydration, or other factors.
Choice C rationale
Leukorrhea, or vaginal discharge, is a common symptom of pregnancy. It is usually thin, white or clear, and mild smelling. If the discharge is yellow, green, or gray, has a strong smell, or is accompanied by itching or burning, it could indicate an infection.
Choice D rationale
A platelet count of 90,000/mm is lower than the normal range, which is between 150,000 and 450,000/mm25. This could indicate a condition called thrombocytopenia, which can be caused by various conditions, including pregnancy25. However, without more information, it’s not possible to determine the significance of this finding in a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation25.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.