Question

The nurse provides care for a 4lb 10oz (2100.13g) infant delivered at 32 weeks gestation. The nurse notes the infant has mottling of the skin, and lab values indicate metabolic and respiratory acidosis. The nurse recognizes these findings are signs of which problem?

A. Hypothermia
B. Sepsis
C. Hyperthermia
D. Hypoglycemia

Answer 1

The signs of mottling of the skin and lab values indicating metabolic and respiratory acidosis in a preterm infant are indicative of hypothermia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse recognizes that the signs of mottling of the skin and lab values indicating metabolic and respiratory acidosis in a 4lb 10oz (2100.13g) infant delivered at 32 weeks gestation are indicative of A. Hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature drops below normal, leading to various symptoms such as cold and mottled skin. In this case, the infant's low birth weight and premature delivery may contribute to their difficulty in maintaining body temperature.