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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering vitamin K is important but not the immediate priority right after birth.
Choice B rationale
Administering eye prophylaxis is also necessary but comes after ensuring the newborn is dry to prevent heat loss.
Choice C rationale
Placing an identification bracelet is crucial but not as immediate as drying the skin to regulate the baby's temperature.
Choice D rationale
Drying the skin is the priority to prevent hypothermia by reducing evaporative heat loss right after birth
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The absence of creases on the plantar surface is typical of a preterm infant, not a term infant. Term infants usually have some creases.
Choice B rationale
Abundant lanugo is more common in preterm infants, while term infants may have some but not extensive lanugo.
Choice C rationale
A flexed position at rest is expected in a term neonate, as it indicates good muscle tone and neuromuscular development.
Choice D rationale
The pinna of the ear remaining folded is more indicative of a preterm infant, as term infants typically have fully formed and firmer ear cartilage.