A postpartum mother questions whether the environmental temperature should be warmer in the baby's room at home.The nurse responds that the environmental temperature should be warmer for the newborn.This response by the nurse is based on which of the following newborn characteristics that affect the establishment of a neutral thermal environmental? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Newborns have a decrease in subcutaneous fat, which means they have less insulation and are more prone to heat loss. The flexed posture of term newborns reduces the surface area exposed to the environment, which helps conserve heat, but they still require a warmer environment to maintain their body temperature. Blood vessels being closer to the skin in newborns also facilitates heat loss, necessitating a warmer environmental temperature to achieve a neutral thermal environment.

A Postpartum Mother Questions Whether the Environmental Temperature Should Be