MEDizzy - While assessing an 8-hour-old newborn, a nurse finds an

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Care of Childbearing Families

While assessing an 8-hour-old newborn, a nurse finds an axillary temperature of 97°F (36.1°C). In response to this finding, the nurse’s first intervention should be to:

ExplanationThe average temperature for a full-term newborn is 98.6°F (37°C) with a range of 98°F (36.6°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). If the infant’s temperature drops below 97.7°F (36.5°C), the infant should be gradually rewarmed under a temperature-controlled radiant warmer. Following this intervention the nurse would then document the findings. There is no need to call the health-care provider unless the nurse is unable to warm the infant using appropriate interventions. Feeding warm formula is unnecessary.