A parent asks the nurse why the newborn is getting a vitamin K injection in the birth room.
The nurse explains that the injection is necessary because:
Newborns are prone to hypoglycemia, and vitamin K helps maintain a steady blood glucose level.
Vitamin K is needed for coagulation, and the newborn does not produce enough vitamin K.
The birthing parent was febrile at the time of birth and prophylactic vitamin K is necessary.
Newborns have deficient levels of prothrombin.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Vitamin K has no role in stabilizing blood glucose levels; hypoglycemia in newborns is managed differently.
Choice B rationale
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and newborns typically have low stores at birth, necessitating supplementation to prevent bleeding disorders.
Choice C rationale
There is no established link between maternal fever and the need for vitamin K; prophylaxis is standard for all newborns regardless of maternal health.
Choice D rationale
Newborns do not have sufficient prothrombin or other clotting factors, which is why vitamin K administration is critical.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a baby’s crib next to a heater can pose a risk of overheating or burns. Newborns should be kept at a safe distance from heaters to prevent accidents.
Choice B rationale
Removing extra blankets from the crib is recommended to reduce the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This choice reflects an understanding of crib safety.
Choice C rationale
Padding the mattress can pose suffocation risks and is not recommended. A firm mattress without any padding is the safest option for newborns.
Choice D rationale
Placing a baby on their stomach to sleep increases the risk of SIDS. The recommended sleeping position for newborns is on their back, as this significantly reduces the risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.