11: Temperature Considerations

Question 1

What is the temp range for a neutral thermal environment for a term newborn?

Answer 1

For an undressed, normal-term newborn, this is in the range of 31°–34° C at 50% humidity.

Question 2

How often do you check temps during transition when using a radiant warmer?

Answer 2

Check axillary temperature every 30–60 minutes during transition when the child is under a radiant warmer.

Question 3

After the initial temp check in an open crib, how often do you check temps?

Answer 3

Check temperature at least every 2 to 4 hours until infant is stable, then every 8 hours until discharge.

Question 4

Under a neutral thermal environment, what is the normal range of temp for a healthy newborn?

Answer 4

36.5°–37.0° C by axillary temperature or 36.0°–36.5° C by skin temperature

Question 5

What constitutes hyperthermia?

Answer 5

Skin temperature >37.0° C or axillary temperature >37.5° C.

Question 6

How do you properly check temperatures with a radiant warmer?

Answer 6

For infants in an incubator or under a radiant warmer, record the environmental temperature simultaneously with the infant’s temperature assessments to monitor the infant’s environmental temperature requirements.

Question 7

When should the 1st bath happen?

Answer 7

First bath should be delayed until body temperature has stabilized at 36.5°–37.0° C.

Question 8

What temp for a room provides an adequate neutral thermal environment for a stable newborn?

Answer 8

Once the term newborn is maintaining a stable temperature, the infant can be cared for in an open crib if clothed and wrapped in a blanket. A draft-free room of 24°–26° C should provide an adequate thermal-neutral condition.

Question 9

When do you check temps after a bath and transfer to open crib?

Answer 9

Check temperature 30 minutes after the bath and 1 hour after transfer to open crib.