While performing a physical assessment of a newborn boy, the nurse notes diffuse edema of the soft tissues of his scalp that crosses suture lines. The nurse documents this finding as:

A. Convection refers to the transfer of heat through air or water, such as when cool air circulates around the baby. While it can contribute to heat loss, drying the baby and changing wet linens specifically addresses evaporation.
B. Evaporation occurs when the baby's skin is wet (such as after birth or during a bath) and heat is lost as the moisture evaporates from the skin. Drying the neonate thoroughly and changing wet linens is aimed at preventing this form of heat loss.
C. Radiation is the transfer of heat from the baby to nearby cooler objects or surfaces (without direct contact), but drying and changing wet linens does not directly address this form of heat loss.
D. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact with a cooler surface, such as a cold surface or metal. It would be a concern if the baby was placed on a cold surface, but drying the baby helps prevent heat loss via evaporation, not conduction

A. Birth trauma typically refers to physical injuries sustained during delivery, such as bruising or fractures. Bluish markings across the lower back are not indicative of birth trauma.
B. Stork bites are reddish or pinkish marks, usually found on the nape of the neck, eyelids, or forehead. They are vascular birthmarks and are not bluish in color.
C. Milia refers to small white cysts found on a newborn's face, usually on the nose, chin, or forehead, caused by blocked sebaceous glands. It is not associated with bluish markings.
D. Mongolian spots are bluish or purplish birthmarks commonly found on the lower back or buttocks of infants, especially those with darker skin. These are normal and typically fade over time.