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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The Industry vs. Inferiority stage, according to Erikson, occurs from age 6 to puberty, where children focus on learning, developing skills, and striving for competence. A 20-month-old
child is not yet in this stage.
Choice B rationale
The Trust vs. Mistrust stage is the earliest stage in Erikson's theory, occurring from birth to about 18 months. While a 20-month-old child has recently transitioned out of this stage, it
is not the stage applicable to their current developmental phase.
Choice C rationale
The Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage occurs from approximately 18 months to 3 years. At 20 months, children are striving for independence, making choices, and developing a
sense of self-control, which is characteristic of this stage.
Choice D rationale
The Initiative vs. Guilt stage occurs from ages 3 to 6 years, where children begin to assert power and control through directing play and other social interactions. A 20-month-old child
is not in this stage yet.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The deltoid muscle is not recommended for newborns due to its small size and underdevelopment.
Choice B rationale
The vastus lateralis muscle is well-developed in newborns and has a large enough surface area to safely accommodate injections.
Choice C rationale
The gluteus maximus muscle is not suitable for newborn injections due to the risk of nerve damage.
Choice D rationale
The rectus femoris muscle is less commonly used due to the potential for more pain and discomfort.