The clinical nurse recalls that the newborn has four mechanisms by which heat is lost following birth: evaporation, conduction, convection, and radiation. Which of the following are examples of heat lost via convection? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. An infant loses heat when not dried adequately after birth
b. An infant is placed on a cold scale
c. An infant is placed under a ceiling fan
d. An infant is placed near an open window

Answer 1

ANS: c, d
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a. Evaporation is the loss of heat that occurs when water is converted into a vapor, such as inadequately dried skin.
b. Conduction is the loss of heat to a cooler surface by direct skin contact, such as occurs when the infant is placed on a cold surface.
c. Convective heat loss occurs when the neonate is exposed to drafts and cool circulating air, such as when being placed near an open window or fan.
d. Convective heat loss occurs when the neonate is exposed to drafts and cool circulating air, such as when being placed near an open window or fan.