Nursing Care of the Newborn Related

Review Nursing Care of the Newborn related questions and content

What characteristics are directly related to the newborn's decreased ability to maintain thermal stability?

  • A. A neonate has decreased subcutaneous fat and a large body surface-to-weight ratio.
  • B. The blood vessels in the neonate are farther from the skin than those of an adult.
  • C. Newborns are unable to rely on brown adipose tissue for heat production.
  • D. The newborn prefers to be in constant motion, increasing the surface area exposed to the environment.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Subcutaneous fat provides insulation, so decreased fat leads to heat loss.
2. A larger body surface-to-weight ratio means more heat loss through the skin.
3. Both factors contribute to the newborn's decreased ability to maintain thermal stability.
4. Blood vessels being farther from the skin (choice B) does not impact thermal stability directly.
5. Brown adipose tissue (choice C) is actually important for heat production in newborns.
6. Constant motion (choice D) may increase heat loss but is not a primary factor in thermal stability for newborns.