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.
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The newborn nursery nurse walks into the mother's room and notices the patient next to the window. What is the nurse's next course of action?
- A. Ask the mom to hold the infant using skin-to-skin contact.
- B. Nothing; infants are encouraged to be near the windows for sun exposure.
- C. Place the infant near the door on the other side of the room.
- D. Position the baby on the baby scale to obtain a weight.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ask the mom to hold the infant using skin-to-skin contact. This is because skin-to-skin contact between the mother and newborn is important for bonding, regulating the baby's temperature, promoting breastfeeding, and comforting the baby. It also helps establish trust and promote attachment.
Choice B is incorrect because newborns should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods due to the risk of sunburn and overheating.
Choice C is incorrect because there is no specific benefit to placing the infant near the door, and it does not address the importance of skin-to-skin contact.
Choice D is incorrect because obtaining the baby's weight is not the immediate priority when entering the room, especially when the opportunity for skin-to-skin contact is present.
The nurse provides discharge instructions to a parent about umbilical cord care. What statement by the parent indicates effective health teaching?
- A. My child can have a tub bath every day.'
- B. I will clean the stump with antiseptics daily.'
- C. Water and soap can be used if the stump is dirty.'
- D. I need to apply an antibiotic ointment every day.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Using water and soap if the stump is dirty is the correct method for umbilical cord care as per current guidelines.
Step 2: Soap and water help prevent infection without disrupting the natural healing process.
Step 3: Daily tub baths or using antiseptics or antibiotic ointments can be harmful by interfering with healing.
Step 4: Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate and effective method for umbilical cord care.
A newborn that is a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant is in which percentile(s) for weight?
- A. Below the 90th
- B. Less than the 10th
- C. Greater than the 90th
- D. Between the 10th and 90th
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a newborn classified as large-for-gestational-age (LGA) is above the 90th percentile for weight based on their gestational age. This means the infant's weight is greater than 90% of other infants of the same gestational age. Choices A and B are incorrect as they indicate being below the 90th percentile, which is not the case for an LGA infant. Choice D is also incorrect as an LGA infant's weight is specifically above the 90th percentile, not between the 10th and 90th percentile.
The nurse is explaining to the new breastfeeding mother the types of neonatal stools the mother can expect. Which examples does the nurse provide? Select all that apply.
- A. Residual meconium is passed as loose watery stool.
- B. Sticky, thick, black stools indicate a presence of blood.
- C. Stools will eventually become drier and more formed.
- D. Golden yellow, a pasty consistency, and sour odor is expected.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in the early days after birth, newborn stools transition from meconium to a yellow, seedy consistency with a sour odor. This is known as transitional stool. Residual meconium is not passed as loose watery stool (A) but as a sticky, tar-like substance. Sticky, thick, black stools do not necessarily indicate blood (B) but could be meconium. Stools do not become drier and more formed (C) until later in the infant's life.
As the nurse assists a new mother with breastfeeding, the mother asks, 'If formula is prepared to meet the nutritional needs of the newborn, what is in breast milk that makes it better?' The nurse's best response is that it contains
- A. more calcium.
- B. more calories.
- C. essential amino acids.
- D. important immunoglobulins.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: important immunoglobulins. Breast milk contains immunoglobulins that provide passive immunity to the newborn, protecting them from infections. This is crucial for the newborn's developing immune system. Choice A (more calcium) is incorrect as both breast milk and formula provide adequate calcium. Choice B (more calories) is incorrect as breast milk and formula have similar calorie content. Choice C (essential amino acids) is incorrect as both breast milk and formula contain essential amino acids, but breast milk's unique composition is the presence of immunoglobulins, making it superior for newborns.