A nurse is caring for a preterm newborn who is in an incubator to maintain a neutral thermal environment.
The father of the newborn asks the nurse why this is necessary. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Preterm newborns lack the ability to regulate their own temperatures.
The heat in the incubator rapidly dries the sweat of preterm newborns.
Preterm newborns have a smaller body surface area than normal newborns.
The added brown fat layer in a preterm newborn reduces his ability to generate heat.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Preterm newborns have underdeveloped mechanisms for thermoregulation, making it difficult for them to maintain stable body temperatures without external assistance.
Choice B rationale
Preterm newborns do not sweat significantly because their sweat glands are not fully developed; thus, this rationale is incorrect.
Choice C rationale
Preterm newborns actually have a larger body surface area relative to their weight, contributing to their difficulty in maintaining body temperature.
Choice D rationale
Preterm newborns have insufficient brown fat, not an excess, which impairs their ability to generate heat effectively.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preterm newborns have underdeveloped mechanisms for thermoregulation, making it difficult for them to maintain stable body temperatures without external assistance.
Choice B rationale
Preterm newborns do not sweat significantly because their sweat glands are not fully developed; thus, this rationale is incorrect.
Choice C rationale
Preterm newborns actually have a larger body surface area relative to their weight, contributing to their difficulty in maintaining body temperature.
Choice D rationale
Preterm newborns have insufficient brown fat, not an excess, which impairs their ability to generate heat effectively.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A front-facing car seat for an infant does not provide adequate protection in the event of a collision. Infants should always be in a rear-facing car seat to support their head, neck, and spine.
Choice B rationale
Using an infant model car seat designed specifically for the car ensures that the seat meets safety standards and is appropriate for the child's size and developmental needs, providing optimal protection.
Choice C rationale
Being able to fit a hand between the baby and the car seat harness indicates the harness is too loose. The harness should be snug enough that only one or two fingers can fit between the strap and the baby's chest to provide secure restraint.
Choice D rationale
A rear-facing car seat should not be placed in the front passenger seat due to the risk of injury from airbags. The safest position for a rear-facing car seat is in the back seat, away from active airbags.