If a newborn's temperature is below 97.7°F, what action is appropriate?

• A. Ignore until temperature rises
• B. Place in cooler environment
• C. Wrap in extra blankets but not warmer
• D. Place newborn in radiant warmer

Answer: (D)

Newborns lose heat rapidly and can’t regulate their temperature well, so the first priority is to rewarm them safely. When the temperature is below 97.7°F, using a radiant warmer provides controlled warmth directly to the infant while you continuously monitor temperature. This method raises the core temperature efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of complications from hypothermia. Drying the baby and removing moisture also helps minimize evaporative heat loss, and keeping the head covered reduces radiant heat loss. Other options would either expose the baby to a cooler environment or rely on blankets alone without an active heat source, which is insufficient and can worsen hypothermia. The radiant warmer thus offers quick, controlled rewarming with ongoing temperature assessment.