Temperature Regulation in Newborns and Infants

How can a nurse help in regulating the body temperature of newborns and infants?

a. Apply just a diaper.
b. Double the clothing.
c. Place a cap on their heads.
d. Increase room temperature to 90 degrees.

Answer:

The correct action for a nurse focusing on temperature regulation of newborns and infants is to "c. Place a cap on their heads." to help keep the newborn's body temperature within the normal range.

Temperature regulation in newborns and infants is crucial for their health and well-being. Since newborns cannot control their body temperature as effectively as adults, they require assistance in staying warm. A newborn's temperature regulation system is not fully developed, making them more vulnerable to temperature changes.

A newborn's normal temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). It is important for the nurse to ensure that the infant's body temperature stays within this range. Any temperature below 36.5°C or above 37.5°C could indicate an underlying health issue.

In order to regulate the body temperature of newborns and infants, nurses can take various actions. Placing a cap on the newborn's head helps prevent heat loss through the head, which is an area where infants can lose a significant amount of heat. In addition to using a cap, nurses can also use radiant warmers, swaddle the baby in warm blankets or clothing, provide skin-to-skin contact with the parent for warmth, or place the infant in an incubator if necessary.

Maintaining the room temperature between 68°F to 72°F is also important, as temperatures exceeding 75°F can be too hot for newborns. Regularly monitoring the infant's temperature with a thermometer can help the nurse ensure that the baby is comfortable and within the normal temperature range.

By taking these measures, nurses can effectively aid in the temperature regulation of newborns and infants, promoting their health and well-being during this critical period of development.