A nurse is caring for a newborn shortly after birth and places the newborn under a radiant warmer. Which of the following potential complications does this action help to prevent?

This action helps to prevent cold stress. This is because cold stress is a condition where the newborn's core temperature drops below 36.5°C and they use energy and oxygen to generate warmth. This can lead to hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, and an increased risk of infection.

Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer provides thermal stability and prevents heat loss by radiation.

Choice B is wrong because thermogenesis is the process of heat production, not a complication.

Choice C is wrong because shivering is a mechanism of heat production in adults, not in newborns.

Choice D is wrong because brown fat production is a normal feature of newborns that helps them generate heat by lipolysis.

Here is an image of a newborn under a radiant warmer.

This is because cephalhematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp that does not cross the suture line. It is caused by trauma to the head during delivery, such as from vacuum extraction or forceps. It usually appears within a few hours or days after birth and resolves within weeks or months.

Choice B is not correct because nevus flammeus is a type of birthmark that is also known as port-wine stain. It is a flat, red, or purple patch of skin that can appear anywhere on the body, but often on the face. It is caused by abnormal blood vessels in the skin and does not go away over time³.

Choice C is not correct because the molding is the temporary change in the shape of the head due to pressure during delivery. It does not cause swelling or bruising and usually resolves within a few days.

Choice D is not correct because caput succedaneum is a type of swelling that affects the scalp and crosses the suture line. It is caused by fluid accumulation under the scalp due to pressure during delivery. It usually appears at birth and goes away within a few days.