Low Risk Neonatal Nurse Exam Low Risk Neonatal Nurse Exam Thermoregulation & Neonatal Environment

Question 1

What is the normal axillary temperature range for a healthy term newborn?

Accepted Answer

97.7–99.5°F (36.5–37.5°C)

Answer

96.0–97.0°F (35.6–36.1°C)

Answer

99.6–100.4°F (37.6–38.0°C)

Answer

95.0–96.5°F (35.0–35.8°C)

Question 2

Which mechanism of heat loss is responsible for a newborn losing heat to a cold incubator wall without direct contact?

Accepted Answer

Radiation

Answer

Conduction

Answer

Convection

Answer

Evaporation

Question 3

What is the primary reason newborns are at high risk for heat loss immediately after birth?

Accepted Answer

Large body surface area relative to body mass and limited subcutaneous fat

Answer

Overdeveloped sweat glands cause excess moisture

Answer

High metabolic rate that produces too much internal heat

Answer

Inability to generate brown adipose tissue thermogenesis

Question 4

Which immediate nursing action best prevents heat loss by evaporation in the delivery room?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly drying the newborn and removing wet linens

Answer

Placing the infant under a radiant warmer

Answer

Administering warmed IV fluids

Answer

Covering only the head with a cap

Question 5

What is the neutral thermal environment (NTE) for a newborn?

Accepted Answer

The environmental temperature at which the newborn maintains normal body temperature with minimal metabolic effort

Answer

The temperature at which the newborn sweats to maintain temperature

Answer

The room temperature recommended for visitor comfort in the nursery

Answer

The temperature inside a warmed formula bottle

Question 6

A nurse notes a newborn's skin temperature is 35.8°C (96.4°F) and the infant is lethargic and not feeding well. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Initiate rewarming gradually using skin-to-skin contact or a warmed incubator

Answer

Administer antipyretics

Answer

Obtain blood cultures only

Answer

Place the infant in a cool environment to prevent fever