A newborn is placed under a radiant warmer. The nurse understands ...

[RRMR]

A newborn is placed under a radiant warmer. The nurse understands that thermoregulation presents a problem for newborns because:
 
  a. Their normal flexed posture favors heat loss through perspiration.
  b. Their renal function is not fully developed, and heat is lost in the urine.
  c. They have a thin layer of subcutaneous fat that provides poor insulation.
  d. Their small body surface area produces heat loss more rapidly than an adult's.

Question 2

An infant weighed 3685 g (8 lbs, 2 oz) at birth. What would be the maximum amount of weight loss considered normal by the third day of life?
 
  a. 57 g (2 oz)
  b. 227 g (8 oz)
  c. 368 g (13 oz)
  d. 454 g (16 oz)

[kjo;oj]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Newborns are prone to heat loss because they have a large body surface area in relation to their weight. Their skin is thin, blood vessels are close to the surface, and there is little subcutaneous fat for insulation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A newborn normally loses as much as 10 of its body weight in the first few days of life. For example: 8 lbs, 2 oz = 130 oz (16 oz = 1 lb; so 8 lbs  16 oz = 128 oz + 2 oz = 130 oz). Ten percent of 130 = 13 oz. (Or, 10 of 3685 g = 368 g.)