A nurse places a newborn under a radiant heat warmer after birth. The purpose of this action is to prevent which of the following in the newborn?
Shivering.
Cold stress.
Brown fat production.
Basal metabolic rate reduction.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Shivering is not a primary concern for newborns as they have limited ability to shiver. Instead, they rely on non-shivering thermogenesis to maintain body temperature.
Choice B rationale
Cold stress is a significant concern for newborns as it can lead to hypothermia, increased oxygen consumption, and metabolic acidosis. Placing a newborn under a radiant heat warmer helps maintain their body temperature and prevent cold stress.
Choice C rationale
Brown fat production is a natural process in newborns that helps generate heat. However, the primary purpose of using a radiant heat warmer is to prevent cold stress, not to stimulate brown fat production.
Choice D rationale
Basal metabolic rate reduction is not the primary concern. The focus is on preventing cold stress and maintaining the newborn’s body temperature.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Drying the newborn’s skin thoroughly immediately after birth helps reduce heat loss by evaporation, which is a significant concern as wet skin can cause rapid heat loss.
Choice B rationale
Maintaining ambient room temperature at 24°C (75°F) helps prevent heat loss by convection but does not directly address evaporation.
Choice C rationale
Placing the newborn on a warm surface helps prevent heat loss by conduction but does not address evaporation.
Choice D rationale
Preventing air drafts helps reduce heat loss by convection but does not address evaporation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Depressed fontanelles are not exclusive to premature newborns. They can occur in both premature and full-term infants and are not an indicator of prematurity.
Choice B rationale
Depressed fontanelles do not indicate infection. Infections in newborns typically present with other symptoms such as fever, irritability, and poor feeding.
Choice C rationale
Depressed fontanelles are a sign of dehydration in newborns. When a newborn is dehydrated, the fontanelles can appear sunken due to the lack of fluid in the body.
Choice D rationale
Depressed fontanelles are not a normal finding in newborns. Normally, fontanelles should be flat or slightly curved inward. A depressed fontanelle is a clinical sign that requires further evaluation and intervention.