What explains why a neutral thermal environment is essential for a high-risk neonate?

Question

a. The neonate produces heat by increasing activity and shivering.
b. Metabolism slows dramatically in the neonate experiencing cold stress.
c. It permits the neonate to maintain a normal core temperature with minimum oxygen consumption.
d. It permits the neonate to maintain a normal core temperature with increased caloric consumption.

Answer 1

ANS: C
A high-risk neonate is at greater risk for cold stress than a term infant because of the smaller muscle mass and fewer deposits of brown fat for producing heat, lack of insulating subcutaneous fat, and poor reflex control of skin capillaries. By definition, a neutral thermal environment is one that permits the infant to maintain a normal core temperature with minimum oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure. Smaller muscle mass and poor reflex control of skin capillaries decrease the ability of a high-risk neonate to compensate for an environment that is not thermoneutral. Metabolism increases in an infant experiencing cold stress, creating a compensatory increase in oxygen and caloric consumption. Increased caloric consumption is to be avoided. Neonates need available calories for growth.