A newborn is admitted to the newborn nursery with hypothermia. Which complication should the nurse monitor related to hypothermia in the newborn?
A) Hyperglycemia
B) Metabolic acidosis
C) Respiratory acidosis
D) Vasodilation of peripheral blood vessels

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cold stress can cause a significant rise in oxygen demands. Metabolism of glucose in the presence of insufficient oxygen causes increased production of acids. Metabolism of brown fat also releases fatty acids. The result can be metabolic acidosis, which can be a life-threatening condition. Cold stress causes hypoglycemia because glucose is being metabolized. Cold stress does not cause respiratory acidosis. As the infant's body attempts to conserve heat, vasoconstriction, not vasodilation, of the peripheral blood vessels occurs to reduce heat loss from the skin surface.

A Newborn Is Admitted to the Newborn Nursery with Hypothermia