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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A newborn with a temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F) is within the normal range for newborns and does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
A newborn who has not voided within 27 hours post-delivery requires immediate intervention. Newborns should void within the first 24 hours of life. Failure to void may indicate dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, or renal issues.
Choice C rationale
A newborn who has not passed meconium within 18 hours post-delivery is concerning but not as urgent as not voiding. Newborns typically pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours.
Choice D rationale
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is common in newborns and usually resolves on its own. It does not require immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Given the neonate’s symptoms and critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), the most urgent action is to address the hypoglycemia. Therefore, the nurse shouldadminister a bolus of intravenous glucose (Option A). This immediate intervention is crucial to stabilize the neonate and prevent further complications associated with hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
While monitoring blood glucose levels is important, waiting 30 minutes to reassess without immediate intervention could allow the hypoglycemia to worsen, potentially leading to severe complications such as seizures or brain damage. Immediate treatment is necessary to stabilize the neonate.
Choice C rationale
Although feeding can help increase blood glucose levels, the neonate’s current symptoms (jitteriness, poor feeding, weak cry, and irritability) suggest that they may not be able to effectively feed. Additionally, the blood glucose level is critically low and requires more rapid correction than feeding alone can provide.
Choice D rationale
While maintaining an appropriate body temperature is important, the neonate’s temperature (36.1°C) is not critically low. The primary concern here is the hypoglycemia, which needs to be addressed immediately. Placing the neonate under a radiant warmer does not directly address the low blood glucose level.