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","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Serving food in small, halved, or quartered pieces can help prevent choking, which is a significant concern for infants and young children who are still developing their chewing and swallowing skills.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring the mattress fits snugly against the sides of the crib prevents the infant from getting trapped between the mattress and the crib sides, reducing the risk of suffocation or injury.
Choice C rationale
Child-proof locks on cabinet doors prevent infants from accessing hazardous substances or dangerous objects that could cause harm. This is a crucial aspect of home safety for young children.
Choice D rationale
Setting the water heater at 65°C (149°F) is not recommended because it is too hot and can cause burns. The water heater should be set at a maximum of 48°C (118°F) to prevent scalding injuries.
Choice E rationale
Never leaving a child unattended during bath time is essential to prevent drowning, which can occur quickly and silently. Close supervision is necessary to ensure the child’s safety in the water. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Acrocyanosis is a common and typically benign condition in newborns, characterized by bluish discoloration of the hands and feet. It is not an immediate priority.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory distress is the priority assessment for a newborn immediately following a cesarean delivery. Ensuring the newborn has a patent airway and is breathing effectively is crucial for their survival and immediate well-being.
Choice C rationale
Hypothermia is a concern for newborns, but respiratory distress takes precedence as an immediate life-threatening condition.
Choice D rationale
Accidental lacerations can occur during a cesarean delivery, but they are usually not life-threatening and can be addressed after ensuring the newborn's respiratory status is stable. .