Temperature/Thermal

Question 1

Environmental Stressors - Temperature/Thermal

Answer 1

• NEO/PEDS have more body surface area
• Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Evaporation
• Premies and brown fat - highly susceptible to heat loss - exacerbate metabolic and respiratory instability
• Abdominal wall defects

Question 2

Conduction

Answer 2

Conduction: Contact with cold surfaces (Surface contact temperature differential)

• A child’s bare skin touching cold exam table

Question 3

Convection

Answer 3

Convection: Exposure to moving air

• Minimize exposure during procedures; cover neonates with warm blankets

Question 4

Evaporation

Answer 4

Evaporation: Wet skin after birth or procedures (vaporizing liquid (sweat)

• Abdominal wall defects - child loses heat through their ⬆️ surface area and evaporation from the abdominal wall defect.

Question 5

Radiation

Answer 5

Radiation: Heat loss to cooler surrounding objects (temperature differential object/atmosphere)

Question 6

Thermoregulation Management Strategies

Answer 6

• Use pre-warmed transport incubators or radiant warmers
• Maintain skin-to-skin contact if appropriate and feasible
• Minimize exposure during procedures; cover neonates with warm blankets
• Monitor temperature continuously: Goal 36.5-37.5

Question 7

Sensory Environment (Noise and Vibration, low humidity/dehydration)

Answer 7

• Avoid excess stimulation from noise, light, or movement
• Ear protection - child with CP inconsolable (noise could be setting the child off)
• Vibration - proper padding
• Low humidity/dehydration - PO/IV fluids, if more than 2 L O2, warm & humidify it, HME (heat moisture exchanger
• NPO child, start dextrose mid flight. Prolonged transport = dextrose in IVF’s.