A nurse in a provider’s office is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for abruption?

Choice A Reason:

Drying the newborn’s skin thoroughly is the most effective way to reduce evaporative heat loss. When a newborn is born, they are wet with amniotic fluid, which can evaporate and cool the skin rapidly. By drying the infant thoroughly, the nurse removes this moisture, thereby preventing heat loss through evaporation.

Choice B Reason:

Preventing air drafts is important for reducing convective heat loss, not evaporative heat loss. Convective heat loss occurs when cool air moves across the skin, taking heat away from the body. While preventing drafts is crucial, it does not directly address evaporative heat loss.

Choice C Reason:

Placing the newborn on a warm surface helps reduce conductive heat loss, which occurs when the baby comes into contact with a cooler surface. While this is an important step in maintaining the newborn’s temperature, it does not specifically address evaporative heat loss

Choice D Reason:

Maintaining an ambient room temperature at 24°C (75.2°F) helps create a warm environment for the newborn, reducing overall heat loss. However, this action primarily addresses convective and radiant heat loss rather than evaporative heat loss.

Choice A Reason:

One of the most reliable indicators that a baby is getting enough breast milk is the number of wet diapers. A well-hydrated baby should wet at least 6 to 8 diapers per day. This indicates that the baby is receiving sufficient fluids and nutrients from breast milk. Consistent wet diapers are a clear sign that the baby is feeding well and getting enough milk.

Choice B Reason:

A wake cycle of 30 to 60 minutes after each feeding is not a reliable indicator of adequate breast milk intake. Babies have varying sleep and wake patterns, and these can be influenced by many factors other than feeding. While some babies may stay awake for a short period after feeding, this is not a definitive sign of adequate milk intake.

Choice C Reason:

Burping after each feeding is a common practice to help release any swallowed air, but it does not indicate whether the baby is getting enough breast milk. Burping is more related to the baby’s comfort and digestion rather than the quantity of milk consumed.

Choice D Reason:

Sleeping at least 6 hours between feedings is not typical for a newborn, especially in the first few weeks of life. Newborns usually feed every 2 to 3 hours, including during the night. Long sleep intervals can be a concern and may indicate that the baby is not feeding frequently enough, which could affect milk intake and hydration.