Lecture 4 Part 1 Flashcards
- What are the 4 ways heat is exchange between a neonate and environment? Explain*
Evaporation - when water is lost from the skin
Conduction - direct contact with a surface with a different temperature
Convection - air currents carry heat away from the body surface
Radiation - temperature of the surfaces surrounding the infant but not in direct contact with the infant
What is the temperature range for the rectum?
36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius
What is the temperature range for axillary?
0.5 degrees Celsius or lower
What is the temperature range for abdominal skin?
36.2 to 37.2 degrees Celsius
WHO have classified hypothermia temperatures into mild, moderate and severe, what are the temperature ranges of each category?
Mild: 36 to 36.4 degrees Celsius
Moderate: 32 to 35.9 degrees Celsius
Severe: less than 32 degrees Celsius
What is the definition of a thermoneutral zone?
An environment in which a neonate maintains a normal body temperature while minimising energy expenditure and oxygen consumption
What are the outcomes for a neonate who has thermal stability within the thermoneutral environment? (TNE)
Enhanced growth
Decreased respiratory support
Decreased oxygen requirements
Increased glucose stability
Reduced mortality
Reduced morbidities associated with hyper and hypothermia
Why is hypothermia dangerous for a neonate?
Having a low body temperature at the time of admission to a unit is itself an independent risk
Factor for neonatal death
Increases severity of all preterm morbidities
Preterm neonates find it very hard to have thermal regulation, why is this?
Low body mass ratio
Minimal muscular activity
Subcutaneous fat insulation is not there
High ratio of surface area to body mass
Name a technique used to keep a baby warm
Using a bag or wrap under a radiant heater
Skin to skin care
Transwarmer mattress
Pre warmed incubator
What advantages does skin to skin care provide for the neonate?
Thermoregulation
Improved weight gain
Reduced risk of infection
Greater haemodynamic stability - improvement of body circulatory system: heart rate, blood flow etc
Blood sugar stability
Decreased stress
ProMotion of bonding
Neonates need thermal support, name the ways this can be done and explain each one and advantages and issues
Skin to skin care - self explanatory
Open care systems - good: radiant warmer, easier to clean, access, types of modes: pre warm, skin, manual. Bad: humidity control but can be provided if modified , drafts due to air currents
Closed incubator - good: humidification, extreme preterm care. Bad: access, infection
Cots/cribs
