A nurse places a newborn under a radiant heat warmer after birth. The purpose of this action is to prevent which of the following in the newborn?
Basal metabolic rate reduction.
Brown fat production.
Shivering.
Cold stress.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Basal metabolic rate reduction. This is incorrect because a newborn under a radiant heat warmer will have an increased basal metabolic rate, not a reduced one. The basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy the body uses at rest, and it is influenced by temperature. A warmer environment will stimulate the newborn's metabolism and increase the energy expenditure. • Choice B reason:
Brown fat production. This is incorrect because a newborn under a radiant heat warmer will have less need for brown fat production, not more. Brown fat is a type of fat tissue that generates heat by burning calories. It is found in newborns and helps them maintain their body temperature in cold environments. A warmer environment will reduce the need for brown fat activation. • Choice C reason:
Shivering. This is incorrect because a newborn under a radiant heat warmer will not shiver, but shivering is not the main mechanism of heat production in newborns. Shivering is an involuntary contraction of muscles that generates heat by increasing metabolism. Newborns have limited ability to shiver because of their immature nervous system and low muscle mass. They rely more on brown fat and increased metabolic rate to produce heat. • Choice D reason:
Cold stress. This is correct because a newborn under a radiant heat warmer will prevent cold stress, which is a condition where the newborn's body temperature drops below normal and causes adverse effects. Cold stress can impair oxygen delivery, increase acidosis, decrease blood glucose, and increase the risk of infection and bleeding. A radiant heat warmer provides a neutral thermal environment for the newborn and prevents heat loss by radiation.
: 1 : 2 : 3 : 4.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Choice A is the correct answer because the number of wet diapers a newborn has per day is a reliable indicator of effective breastfeeding. When a baby is breastfeeding well and getting enough milk, they will have an adequate number of wet diapers, typically at least six to eight per day. The frequent wet diapers indicate that the baby is adequately hydrated, and their body is eliminating waste products as expected.
Choice B reason:
Choice B, having at least one breast milk stool every 24 hours, is not the most reliable indicator of effective breastfeeding, although it is an important consideration. The frequency of bowel movements can vary among breastfed infants, and some babies may have several bowel movements a day, while others may have fewer, even skipping a day. The number of wet diapers is a more consistent measure of sufficient milk intake.
Choice C reason:
Choice C, sleeping for 6 hours at a time between feedings, is not an accurate indicator of effective breastfeeding in a 4-day-old newborn. Newborns typically feed frequently, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours, and they may not sleep for extended periods between feedings at this age. Frequent feeding is essential for establishing a good milk supply and ensuring the baby receives enough nutrients.
Choice D reason:
Choice D, gaining 1 to 2 ounces per week, is also not the most reliable indicator of effective breastfeeding in the early days after birth. Weight gain can vary significantly in newborns, and a 4-day-old baby might not show the expected 1 to 2 ounces per week gain yet. Moreover, weight gain can be affected by factors other than breastfeeding, such as birth weight, initial fluid loss, and individual growth patterns.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypothermia is the priority area for this newborn because the axillary temperature of 95.8° F (35.4° C) is below the normal range of 97.7° F to 99.5° F (36.5° C to 37.5° C) for newborns1. Hypothermia can lead to complications such as hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and impaired oxygen delivery2. The nurse should initiate interventions to warm the newborn, such as skin-to-skin contact, radiant warmer, or swaddling2.
Choice B reason:
Deficient fluid volume is not the priority area for this newborn because the apical pulse of 114 beats per minute is within the normal range of 100 to 160 beats per minute for newborns345. A low pulse rate can indicate dehydration or shock in newborns2. The nurse should monitor the newborn's fluid intake and output, weight, and signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes, sunken fontanels, and poor skin turgor2.
Choice C reason:
Impaired gas exchange is not the priority area for this newborn because the respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute is within the normal range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute for newborns345. A high or low respiratory rate can indicate respiratory distress or failure in newborns2. The nurse should assess the newborn's breath sounds, chest movements, oxygen saturation, and signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis2.
Choice D reason:
Risk for infection is not the priority area for this newborn because there is no evidence of infection in the vital signs or the question stem. However, newborns are vulnerable to infection due to their immature immune systems and exposure to pathogens during birth and aftercare2. The nurse should follow infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, aseptic technique, and cord care, and educate the parents on how to prevent infection at home2.
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.