After teaching an in-service program to a group of nurses working in newborn nursery about a neutral thermal environment, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which process as the newborn's primary method of heat production?
nonshivering thermogenesis
cold stress
convection
bilirubin conjugation
The Correct Answer is A
A. Nonshivering thermogenesis is the primary method of heat production in newborns. Unlike adults, newborns do not generate heat through shivering. Instead, they rely on the metabolism of brown adipose tissue (brown fat) to produce heat. This process is triggered by exposure to cold and helps maintain body temperature.
B. Cold stress is a condition, not a heat production mechanism. It occurs when the newborn is exposed to cold temperatures, leading to increased oxygen and energy demands as the body attempts to produce heat — which can be dangerous.
C. Convection is a method of heat loss, not production. It occurs when heat is lost from the body surface to cooler surrounding air (e.g., drafts in the room).
D. Bilirubin conjugation is related to the liver's processing of bilirubin and has nothing to do with thermoregulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Advanced maternal age may increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications, but it is not specifically associated with shoulder dystocia. Other factors, such as fetal size, are more directly related to shoulder dystocia.
B. Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) can sometimes be associated with complications during labor, but it is not the primary risk factor for shoulder dystocia. The condition most often involves difficulties with the fetal position or size rather than the amount of fluid.
C. Macrosomia (a large baby, typically defined as a birth weight over 8 pounds 13 ounces or 4000g) is the primary risk factor for shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulders become stuck during delivery, often due to the larger size of the baby. The baby’s shoulders may be too broad to pass through the birth canal easily, which increases the likelihood of this complication.
D. Preterm birth is not a significant risk factor for shoulder dystocia. Preterm babies are typically smaller and less likely to encounter the same birth canal obstruction issues associated with shoulder dystocia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Convection refers to the transfer of heat through air or water, such as when cool air circulates around the baby. While it can contribute to heat loss, drying the baby and changing wet linens specifically addresses evaporation.
B. Evaporation occurs when the baby's skin is wet (such as after birth or during a bath) and heat is lost as the moisture evaporates from the skin. Drying the neonate thoroughly and changing wet linens is aimed at preventing this form of heat loss.
C. Radiation is the transfer of heat from the baby to nearby cooler objects or surfaces (without direct contact), but drying and changing wet linens does not directly address this form of heat loss.
D. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact with a cooler surface, such as a cold surface or metal. It would be a concern if the baby was placed on a cold surface, but drying the baby helps prevent heat loss via evaporation, not conduction
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