Chapter 7: Health Promotion of the Newborn and Family - Nurselytic

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Brown fat is a unique source of heat for newborns. It has a larger content of mitochondrial cytochromes and a greater capacity for heat production through intensified metabolic activity than does ordinary adipose tissue. Heat generated in brown fat is distributed to other parts of the body by the blood. It is effective only in heat production. Brown fat is located in superficial areas such as between the scapulae, around the neck, in the axillae, and behind the sternum. These areas should not protect the newborn from injury during the birth process. The newborn has a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, which does not provide for conservation of heat.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Newborns require frequent small feedings because their stomach capacity is very limited. A newborns colon has a relatively small volume and resulting increased bowel movements. Peristaltic waves are rapid. A deficiency of pancreatic lipase limits the absorption of fats.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Meconium is composed of amniotic fluid and its constituents, intestinal secretions, shed mucosal cells, and possibly blood. It is a newborns first stool. Milia involves distended sweat glands that appear as minute vesicles, primarily on the face. Milk stool usually occurs by the fourth day. The appearance varies depending on whether the newborn is breast or formula fed. Transitional stools usually appear by the third day after the beginning of feeding. They are usually greenish brown to yellowish brown, thin, and less sticky than meconium.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The first meconium stool should occur within the first 24 hours. It may be delayed up to 7 days in very low birth-weight newborns.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: At birth, all structural components are present in the renal system, but there is a functional deficiency in the kidneys ability to concentrate urine and to cope with conditions of fluid and electrolyte stress such as dehydration or a concentrated solute load. Infants urine is colorless and odorless. The first voiding usually occurs within 24 hours of delivery. Newborns void when the bladder is stretched to 15 ml, resulting in about 20 voidings per day.