A nurse is preparing to assess a newborn who is post-term. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason:

Drying the newborn with a warm blanket is an effective method to prevent heat loss through evaporation, not conduction. Evaporation occurs when moisture on the baby’s skin turns into vapor, which can cool the baby down. Using a warm blanket to dry the newborn helps to remove this moisture and keep the baby warm, but it does not specifically address heat loss via conduction.

Choice B reason:

Closing the doors to the delivery room helps to maintain a warm environment and prevent drafts, which can reduce heat loss through convection. Convection is the transfer of heat through air currents, and keeping the room warm can help to minimize this type of heat loss. However, this action does not directly address heat loss via conduction.

Choice C reason:

Wrapping the newborn in a blanket is another method to prevent heat loss through radiation and convection. By wrapping the baby, you create a barrier that helps to retain the baby’s body heat and protect against cooler air temperatures. While this is important for overall warmth, it does not specifically target heat loss via conduction.

Choice D reason:

Placing the newborn on a warm crib pad is the most effective method to prevent heat loss via conduction. Conduction is the transfer of heat from the baby’s body to a cooler surface. By using a warm crib pad, you ensure that the surface in contact with the baby is warm, thereby reducing the amount of heat lost through conduction. This method directly addresses the issue of heat loss via conduction and helps to keep the newborn warm.

Choice A Reason:

Drying the newborn’s skin thoroughly is the most effective way to reduce evaporative heat loss. When a newborn is born, they are wet with amniotic fluid, which can evaporate and cool the skin rapidly. By drying the infant thoroughly, the nurse removes this moisture, thereby preventing heat loss through evaporation.

Choice B Reason:

Preventing air drafts is important for reducing convective heat loss, not evaporative heat loss. Convective heat loss occurs when cool air moves across the skin, taking heat away from the body. While preventing drafts is crucial, it does not directly address evaporative heat loss.

Choice C Reason:

Placing the newborn on a warm surface helps reduce conductive heat loss, which occurs when the baby comes into contact with a cooler surface. While this is an important step in maintaining the newborn’s temperature, it does not specifically address evaporative heat loss

Choice D Reason:

Maintaining an ambient room temperature at 24°C (75.2°F) helps create a warm environment for the newborn, reducing overall heat loss. However, this action primarily addresses convective and radiant heat loss rather than evaporative heat loss.