RNC-NIC Thermoregulation 2

Question 1

A 28-week preterm infant is in an incubator set to servo-control mode. The abdominal skin temperature reads 36.0°C. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Check probe placement and ensure good skin contact

Answer

A falsely low skin temperature reading is most often caused by a displaced or poorly adhered servo-control probe, so verifying probe placement is the first step.

Question 2

Which mechanism of heat loss is most significant when a newborn is placed on a cold scale without a cover?

Accepted Answer

Conduction

Answer

Direct contact between the infant's skin and a cool surface transfers heat by conduction.

Question 3

A term neonate born via cesarean section is brought to the warmer. The nurse notes the infant is wet with amniotic fluid. Which intervention should be performed FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly dry the infant and remove wet linens

Answer

Drying the infant and removing wet linens immediately reduces evaporative heat loss, which is the primary cause of heat loss in a wet newborn.

Question 4

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis in neonates is stimulated primarily by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine release activating uncoupling protein-1 in mitochondria

Answer

Cold stress triggers norepinephrine release, which activates uncoupling protein-1 (thermogenin) in BAT mitochondria, generating heat through non-shivering thermogenesis.

Question 5

A nurse is caring for a 32-week infant and notices peripheral vasoconstriction, acrocyanosis, and a widening core-to-peripheral temperature gradient. These findings are MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Cold stress

Answer

Peripheral vasoconstriction and an increasing core-to-peripheral temperature gradient are early compensatory responses to cold stress in neonates.

(RNC-NIC) Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care Practice Test

(RNC-NIC) Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care Practice Test

RNC-NIC Thermoregulation 2