Author Question: Which method of heat loss may occur if a newborn is placed on a cold scale or touched with cold ... (Read 196 times)

Metfan725 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

Which method of heat loss may occur if a newborn is placed on a cold scale or touched with cold hands?

a. Radiation
b. Conduction
c. Convection
d. Evaporation

Question 2

A nursing student is helping the nursery nurse with morning vital signs. A baby born 10 hours ago via cesarean section is found to have moist lung sounds. Which is the best interpretation of this information?

a. This is an emergency situation.
b. The neonate must have aspirated surfactant.
c. If this baby was born vaginally, it could indicate a pneumothorax.
d. The lungs of a baby delivered by cesarean section may sound moist for 24 hours after birth.

iman · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Conduction occurs when the infant comes in contact with cold objects. Radiation is the transfer of heat to a cooler object that is not in direct contact with the infant. Convection occurs when heat is transferred to the air surrounding the infant. Evaporation can occur during birth or bathing as a result of wet linens or clothes, or insensible heat loss.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The condition will resolve itself within a few hours. For this common condition of newborns, surfactant acts to keep the expanded alveoli partially open between respirations. In vaginal births, absorption of remaining lung fluid is accelerated by the process of labor and birth. Remaining lung fluid will move into interstitial spaces and be absorbed by the circulatory and lymphatic systems. This is a common condition for infants delivered by cesarean section. Surfactant is produced by the lungs, so aspiration is not a concern. It is common to have some fluid left in the lungs; this will be absorbed within a few hours.