Author Question: The clinical nurse recalls that the newborn has mechanisms by which heat is lost following birth. ... (Read 56 times)

jon_i · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The clinical nurse recalls that the newborn has mechanisms by which heat is lost following birth. Which of the following are examples of heat lost via convection? (Select all that apply.)

A.
Placed near an open window
B.
Placed on a cold scale
C.
Placed under a ceiling fan
D.
Not dried adequately after birth
E.
Placed in a warmer that is not yet warm

Question 2

What assessment finding indicates to the nurse that goals for the diagnosis of ineffective thermoregulation related to newborn's immature temperature regulatory system have been met?

A.
Axillary temperature is 98.1 F (36.7 C).
B.
Fluctuations in infant's temperature cease.
C.
Baby stops shivering and falls asleep.
D.
Rectal temperature is 101.0 F (38.3 C).

kusterl · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C
Evaporation is the loss of heat that occurs when water is converted into a vapor, such as inadequately dried skin. Conduction is the loss of heat to a cooler surface by direct skin contact, such as when the infant is placed on a cold surface. Convective heat loss occurs when the neonate is exposed to drafts and cool circulating air, such as being placed near an open window or fan.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The normal range for newborn temperature is 97.7 -98.6 F (36.5 -37.0 C). A stable temperature within this range demonstrates that goals for this diagnosis have been met. Fluctuations in infant's temperature cease is vague, and the temperature may have stabilized at a level that is too high or too low. Infants can't shiver. Axillary, not rectal, temperatures are taken; the temperature may also be assessed via continuous skin probe, or tympanic or temporal artery thermometry.