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

Question

This response is based on which newborn characteristics that affect the establishment of thermal stability? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Newborns have less subcutaneous fat than do adults.
2. Infants have a thick epidermis layer.
3. Newborns have a large body surface to weight ratio.
4. Infants have increased total body water.
5. Newborns have more subcutaneous fat than do adults.

Answer 1

1, 3, 4
Explanation: 1. Heat transfer from neonatal organs to skin surface is increased compared to adults due to the neonate's decreased subcutaneous fat.
3. Heat transfer from neonatal organs to skin surface is increased compared to adults due to the neonate's large body surface to weight ratio.
4. Preterm infants have increased heat loss via evaporation due to increased total body water.