The nurse is planning to conduct the initial assessment of a full-term newborn. Included in the plan is providing a neutral thermal environment. To accomplish this plan, what is the desired environmental temperature to conduct the assessment?
A) 24 to 27°C (75.2 to 80.6°F)
B) 28 to 31.5°C (82.4 to 88.7°F)
C) 32 to 33.5°C (89.6 to 92.3°F)
D) 34 to 37.5°C (93.2 to 99.5°F)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A neutral thermal environment is one in which the infant can maintain a stable body temperature with minimal oxygen need and without an increase in metabolic rate. The range of environmental temperature that allows this stability is called the thermoneutral zone. In healthy, unclothed, full-term newborns, an environmental temperature of 32 to 33.5°C (89.6 to 92.3°F) provides a thermoneutral zone. When the infant is dressed, the thermoneutral range is 24 to 27°C (75.2 to 80.6°F).

The Nurse Is Planning to Conduct the Initial Assessment of a Full-Term