ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored related questions and content

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?

  • A. Preterm newborns have a smaller body surface area than normal newborns.
  • B. The added brown fat layer in a preterm newborn reduces his ability to generate heat.
  • C. Preterm newborns lack adequate temperature control mechanisms.
  • D. The heat in the incubator rapidly dries the sweat of preterm newborns.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because preterm newborns lack adequate temperature control mechanisms. Preterm infants have underdeveloped regulatory systems, making them vulnerable to heat loss or overheating. Maintaining a neutral thermal environment in an incubator helps prevent fluctuations in body temperature.

Choice A is incorrect because surface area alone does not explain the need for a neutral thermal environment. Choice B is incorrect as brown fat actually helps generate heat in newborns. Choice D is incorrect as drying sweat is not the primary reason for using an incubator in preterm newborns.