To prevent heat loss from convection in a newborn, which action by the nurse is best?

Choice A. Accelerations are normal responses that indicate the fetus is healthy and active. Accelerations occur when the fetal heart rate increases in response to stimuli. •

Choice B. Late decelerations are nonreassuring patterns that indicate fetal hypoxia due to placental insufficiency. Late decelerations occur when the placental blood flow decreases due to uterine contractions during labor, causing the fetal heart rate to decrease. •

Choice C. Variable decelerations are nonreassuring patterns that indicate fetal hypoxia due to umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations occur when the umbilical cord is trapped by the cervical opening or the fetal body part, twisted, or knotted, causing the fetal oxygen supply to be impaired and the fetal heart rate to drop sharply. •

Choice D. Early decelerations are reassuring patterns that indicate a neural reflex due to fetal head compression. Early decelerations occur when the fetal head is compressed by uterine contractions during labor, causing the parasympathetic nervous system to be stimulated and the heart rate to decrease. The correct answer is C. Variable decelerations are the most common pattern that indicates a problem with the umbilical cord and requires urgent intervention.

The correct answer is: d. Move infant away from blowing fan.

Choice A: Dry the baby after a bath

Drying the baby after a bath is essential to prevent heat loss through evaporation. When a newborn is wet, the water on their skin can evaporate, taking heat away from their body. While this is an important step in maintaining the baby’s temperature, it does not specifically address heat loss through convection.

Choice B: Wrap the baby in warmed blankets

Wrapping the baby in warmed blankets helps prevent heat loss through conduction and radiation. Conduction occurs when the baby comes into contact with a cooler surface, and radiation occurs when the baby loses heat to the surrounding environment. Although this action is beneficial, it does not directly address heat loss through convection.

Choice C: Place the baby in a warmer

Placing the baby in a warmer is an effective way to maintain the baby’s overall body temperature by providing a controlled, warm environment. This action helps prevent heat loss through conduction, radiation, and evaporation. However, it is not the most direct method to prevent heat loss through convection.

Choice D: Move infant away from blowing fan

Moving the infant away from a blowing fan directly addresses and prevents heat loss due to air movement, which is a key factor in convection. Convection occurs when air currents carry heat away from the baby’s body. By moving the baby away from the fan, the nurse can effectively reduce heat loss through this mechanism.