Key Terms
thermoregulation
the ability of the human body to regulate body temperature at a constant value
catecholamines
hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine
During labor, the fetal adrenal glands are stimulated to produce dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These hormones help the newborn by (select all that apply):
1. causing an increase in the level of surfactant in the fetal lungs
2. increasing blood flow to the heart, lungs, and brain
3. aiding the infant in utilizing brown fat for warmth
4. increasing energy
5. stimulating white blood cell production
6. assisting in establishing passive immunity
1. causing an increase in the level of surfactant in the fetal lungs
2. increasing blood flow to the heart, lungs, and brain
4. increasing energy
5. stimulating white blood cell production
A newborn is in the active alert state. Which of the following would the nurse expect to see?
1. The newborn is crying vigorously.
2. The newborn is attentive to what is going on around him.
3. The newborn’s eye movements are visible under the eyelids.
4. The newborn is showing signs of hunger.
4. The newborn is showing signs of hunger.
jaundice
yellow discoloration of the skin d/t breakdown of red blood cells that are not cleared by the liver
unconjugated bilirubin
bilirubin that has not been broken down by the liver
bilirubin
the end product of the breakdown of a red blood cell
The nurse can promote the immune system transition of the newborn by (select all that apply):
1. screening visitors for illness
2. strict hand washing
3. administering vitamin K
4. asking the father to wear a mask to cover a cold sore
5. bathing the baby as soon as possible
1. screening visitors for illness
2. strict hand washing
4. asking the father to wear a mask to cover a cold sore
(babies have no defense against HSV, can be life-threatening)
Which of the following changes occur in the cardiovascular system when the newborn transitions from the uterus to extrauterine life? (Select all that apply.)
1. The right ventricle has increased pressure.
2. There is increased blood flow through the lungs.
3. Blood is shunted from the pulmonary artery to the aorta.
4. The ductus arteriosus closes.
5. Blood flow to the liver increases.
2. There is increased blood flow through the lungs.
4. The ductus arteriosus closes.
5. Blood flow to the liver increases.
A nurse has been teaching the mother of a 2-day-old infant about the risk for infection in the newborn. Which statement indicates that the mother needs further teaching?
1. “The baby received some immunity from me through the placenta.”
2. “I plan to drop by my 5-year-old niece’s birthday party at the pizza restaurant with my baby tomorrow.”
3. “I will ask any family or friends who want to hold my baby to wash their hands first.”
4. “Anyone who’s sick should not visit my baby.”
2. “I plan to drop by my 5-year-old niece’s birthday party at the pizza restaurant with my baby tomorrow.”
radiation
transfer of body heat to a cooler object, such as when a baby's crib is placed by a window
evaporation
loss of heat as the amniotic fluid on the newborn evaporates
A newborn is most interested in eating in which wake and sleep state?
1. drowsy
2. crying
3. active alert
4. alert
4. alert
A newborn has just been delivered. Which of the following physiological changes is of highest priority?
1. Passing meconium stool
2. Closure of the ductus venosus
3. Spontaneous respirations
4. Thermoregulation
3. Spontaneous respirations
Which statement regarding the gastrointestinal transition of her newborn indicates that further teaching is required for a new mother?
1. "a baby's first stool is meconium stool"
2. "babies at 2 days old should be able to drink 4 oz of formula"
3. "babies spit up because of an immature sphincter at the stomach and esophagus"
4. "a baby has no intestinal bacteria at birth"
2. "babies at 2 days old should be able to drink 4 oz of formula"
surfactant
mixture of phospholipids and lipoproteins secreted by the lung cells that assists the alveoli to stay open when the newborn begins breathing
conduction
transfer of heat from newborn's body to cooler surfaces, such as towels or the cold base of the warming unit
Immediately after birth, a newborn has a heart rate of 58 bpm. The appropriate nursing interventions are (select all that apply):
1. call for help
2. place the infant skin-to-skin with the mother
3. dry the infant
4. apply chest compressions
5. provide positive-pressure ventilation
6. inject vitamin K
1. call for help
3. dry the infant
4. apply chest compressions
5. provide positive-pressure ventilation
How can the nurse assess the successful transition of the respiratory system in the newborn? (Select all that apply.)
1. Count the number of respirations per minute.
2. Dry the baby thoroughly.
3. Observe the chest and abdomen.
4. Observe the capillary refill time of the foot.
5. Observe the color of the mucous membranes.
1. Count the number of respirations per minute.
3. Observe the chest and abdomen.
5. Observe the color of the mucous membranes.
A baby can lose heat by evaporation if which of the following situations occurs?
1. The mother unwraps the baby to show a visitor.
2. The nurse places the baby crib near the air conditioner vent.
3. The baby is placed in a cold crib.
4. The baby is wet from amniotic fluid.
4. The baby is wet from amniotic fluid.
brown fat
found in term newborns in the scapular area, on the thorax, and behind the kidneys, and can be used by the newborn to produce body heat
convection
transfer of newborn's body heat to the surrounding cool air
What statement made by a new mother regarding the infant's renal transition indicates understanding?
1. "my 2-day-old infant will have dark yellow urine"
2. "my 2-day-old infant will have no wet diapers until my breast milk comes in"
3. "my 2-day-old infant will have at least 2 wet diapers today"
4. "my 2-day-old infant will have at least 5 wet diapers today"
3. "my 2-day-old infant will have at least 2 wet diapers today"
A newborn is in the first period of reactivity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take at this time?
1. Place the infant under the radiant warmer.
2. Encourage bonding and breastfeeding.
3. Perform a head-to-toe assessment.
4. Invite extended family in to meet the baby.
2. Encourage bonding and breastfeeding.
A term newborn has just been born. Which intervention is the highest priority?
1. Conducting the 5-minute Apgar score
2. Injecting vitamin K
3. Removing wet blankets
4. Applying the identification band
3. Removing wet blankets