Within three days of birth, a newborn has developed a yellowish tinge that extends from the face to mid-chest is lethargic, and has to be awakened to feed. Which condition does the nurse suspect this infant is manifesting?

This is because lochia rubra is the first stage of lochia, the vaginal discharge after giving birth. It comprises blood, shreds of fetal membranes, decidua, vernix caseosa, lanugo, and membranes. It is red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It lasts 1 to 4 days after birth.

Choice A is not correct because lochia alba is the last stage of lochia. It is whitish or yellowish-white in color and contains fewer red blood cells and more leukocytes, epithelial cells, cholesterol, fat, mucus, and microorganisms. It lasts from the second through the third to sixth weeks after delivery.

Choice B is not correct because there is no such thing as lochia normal. Lochia has three stages: lochia rubra, lochia serosa and lochia alba.

Choice C is not correct because lochia serosa is the second stage of lochia. It is brownish or pink in color and contains serous exudate, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus, and microorganisms. It lasts for 4 to 12 days after delivery.

This action helps to prevent cold stress. This is because cold stress is a condition where the newborn's core temperature drops below 36.5°C and they use energy and oxygen to generate warmth. This can lead to hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, and an increased risk of infection.

Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer provides thermal stability and prevents heat loss by radiation.

Choice B is wrong because thermogenesis is the process of heat production, not a complication.

Choice C is wrong because shivering is a mechanism of heat production in adults, not in newborns.

Choice D is wrong because brown fat production is a normal feature of newborns that helps them generate heat by lipolysis.

Here is an image of a newborn under a radiant warmer.