Which nursing intervention is appropriate in the management of the preterm infant with hypothermia? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply

Question

1. Warm the baby rapidly to reverse the hypothermia.
2. Monitor skin temperature every 2 hours to determine whether the infant's temperature is increasing.
3. Keep IV fluids at room temperature.
4. Initiate efforts to maintain the newborn in a neutral thermal environment.
5. Warm the baby slowly to reverse hypothermia and reach a neutral thermal environment.

Answer 1

4,5
Rationale 1: Rapid temperature elevation can cause hypotension and apnea.
Rationale 2: The skin temperature should be monitored at least every 15–30 minutes to determine whether it is increasing.
Rationale 3: IV fluids should be warmed prior to infusion.
Rationale 4: The nurse should initiate efforts to block heat loss by evaporation, radiation, convection, and conduction.
Rationale 5: The infant should be warmed slowly to prevent hypotension and apnea.