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Critical Thinking and Pathophysiology

Concepts Of Maternal-Child Nursing And Families (Nova Southeastern University)

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Developing Critical Thinking Through

Understanding Pathophysiology
Primary problem (medical diagnosis) of patient:

1. Define and describe in your OWN WORDS, the pathophysiology of the primary problem of your patient:

Primary problem for the newborn is unable to regulate their temperature; the newborn’s respirations are between the
normal ranges but appear to be irregular and all other vitals are normal. The low body temperature is concerning because if
the newborn cannot regulate body temperature they can experience cold stress which can have a fatal effect. Since babies
do not have the ability to shiver they are unable to warm their body.

2. How would you explain and teach your patient about the pathophysiology of this medical problem using non-medical
terminology?
Explain to the new mom that the temperature of the newborn is lower than normal and since newborn’s aren’t able to
shiver, have very little fat, and thin skin it is hard for them to regulate their body temperature which could lead to cold
stress and could lead to more serious effects on the newborn.

3. What body system(s) are directly impacted by this disease and how are those systems affected?
BODY SYSTEM(S): HOW BODY SYSTEM IS AFFECTED(S):
Cardiovascular Newborns have little subcutaneous fat to maintain heat, babies have thin skin, and
Circulatory blood vessels are close to the surface. Heat loss can happen from evaporation,
conduction, convection, and radiation. Newborns don’t shiver to increase body
temperature

4. PRIORITY nursing assessments with this disease? (refer to body system that is most affected). What assessment
findings may be abnormal as a result of this illness?
PRIORITY ASSESSMENTS: EXPECTED ABNORMAL ASSESSMENTS:
Vital signs q 30 mins until stable Body temperature outside of 36.5-37.5C (97.7-99.5F)
for 2h, and then every 4-6hrs

5. What lab tests are altered by this problem? How are those lab tests affected? Does the altered lab test affect any
physical assessment findings?
ABNL. LAB TESTS: HOW LAB TESTS AFFECTED: DOES IT IMPACT ASSESSMENTS?

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ABG falsely elevated O2 and CO2 levels may report lower pH levels

6. What medications are most commonly used to manage this problem?

MEDICATIONS: MECHANISM OF ACTION (OWN WORDS):
Vitamin K Used for clotting factors
Hep B Hepatitis B vaccine
Erythromycin Prevention of gonorrhea/chlamydia
Incubator (?) Help with regulation of body temperature

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