The neonatal nurse specialist is presenting a class to nursing students. When describing a proper method for preventing heat loss in the neonate, which statement should the neonatal nurse specialist include in his presentation?

Question

1. "If the newborn is under a radiant-heated unit, he or she is dried, placed on a dry blanket, and left uncovered under the radiant heat."
2. "After delivery, the newborn is immediately placed in skin-to-skin contact with the mother."
3. "If a radiant-heated unit is used to keep the neonate warm, he or she is dried, wrapped in a dry blanket, and placed under the radiant heat."
4. "Immediately after delivery, the newborn is wrapped in a blanket and placed on the mother's chest."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: If the newborn is under a radiant-heated unit, he or she is dried, placed on a dry blanket, and left uncovered under the radiant heat. Because radiant heat warms the outer surface of objects, a newborn wrapped in blankets will receive no benefit from radiant heat.
Rationale 2: After delivery, the newborn is dried immediately and wet blankets are removed. Warmed blankets are applied or the newborn is placed in skin-to-skin contact with the mother. The newborn may also be placed under a radiant-heated unit.
Rationale 3: If the newborn is under a radiant-heated unit, he or she is dried, placed on a dry blanket, and left uncovered under the radiant heat. Because radiant heat warms the outer surface of objects, a newborn wrapped in blankets will receive no benefit from radiant heat.
Rationale 4: After delivery, the newborn is dried immediately and wet blankets are removed. Warmed blankets are applied or the newborn is placed in skin-to-skin contact with the mother. The newborn may also be placed under a radiant-heated unit.