Newborn Thermoregulation Essay Discussion Paper
Question
Define newborn thermoregulation and explain methods of heat loss in newborns
Expert Answer
This solution was written by a subject matter expert. It’s designed to help students like you learn core concepts. Newborn Thermoregulation Essay Discussion Paper
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Step 1/2
A newborn child is called as neonate. The newborn babies born are called as neonate for the first one month or four weeks.
Explanation:
The newborn in their first four weeks are at greater risk of any type of accidents. Thermoregulation is a protective mechanism to maintain the normal body temperature.
Neonatal thermoregulation in simple refers to the body’s ability to balance both the the heat production and the heat loss and maintain a normal body temperature. The normal body temperature of a newborn can vary from 36.5 -37.5 degree Celsius.
Step 2/2
There are four main methods of heat loss in newborns. They are namely
- Conduction
- Convection
- Evaporation
- Radiation
Explanation:
CONDUCTION :
When a newborn is exposed to the external environment by uncovering the dress or if the neonate is naked, then heat can be lost. This type of heat loss can happen during weighing the newborn, if the newborn is wrapped in a cold towel.
CONVECTION :
When the newborn is exposed to cold air. The thermoregulation is disturbed leading to loss of heat. Eg., New born in an AC room, cold environment, cold weather.
EVAPORATION : Newborn Thermoregulation Essay Discussion Paper
In this way the newborn will loose heat by being in moisture or if wet. The evaporation of these fluid or wetness from the body can lead to health. he., breathing, sweating. The amniotic fluid on the baby skin starts to evaporate as a result heat loss happens. Approximately 25 percentage if heat us lost this way.
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RADIATION :
This is the newborns exposure to distant wall and cold window . If the newborn is exposed to cool surfaces through infrared radiation the heat can be lost. The transfer of neonate body temperature to a surface which is collected and is not in direct contact with the newborns.
Final answer
The maintenance of normal body temperature by balancing the heat production and heat loss is termed as newborn thermoregulation. The conduction, convection, evaporation and radiation are the four methods of heat loss in newborns. Therefore it is highly essential to prevent heat loss and protect the newborn. Newborn Thermoregulation Essay Discussion Paper