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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hanging crib toys are not suitable for a 12-month-old toddler as they are more appropriate for younger infants. Toddlers need toys that can stimulate their fine and gross motor skills, and hanging crib toys do not fulfill this need.
Choice B rationale
Large building blocks are ideal for a 12-month-old toddler as they help in developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. These blocks also encourage problem-solving and spatial awareness, which are crucial developmental milestones at this age.
Choice C rationale
Crayons and a coloring book are not the best choice for a toddler under contact precautions as they can be difficult to disinfect and might pose a risk of infection. Additionally, at 12 months, toddlers are still developing their pincer grasp and may not have the coordination for coloring.
Choice D rationale
Modeling clay is not suitable for a 12-month-old due to the potential choking hazard. Toddlers at this age tend to put objects in their mouths, and modeling clay can be difficult to keep clean under contact precautions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a baby’s crib next to a heater can pose a risk of overheating or burns. Newborns should be kept at a safe distance from heaters to prevent accidents.
Choice B rationale
Removing extra blankets from the crib is recommended to reduce the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This choice reflects an understanding of crib safety.
Choice C rationale
Padding the mattress can pose suffocation risks and is not recommended. A firm mattress without any padding is the safest option for newborns.
Choice D rationale
Placing a baby on their stomach to sleep increases the risk of SIDS. The recommended sleeping position for newborns is on their back, as this significantly reduces the risk.