Heat Loss and Thermoregulation of the Newborn Flashcards
Which TWO ways can heat be lost from the body and describe how
Internal gradient - heat is lost from the core to the surface
External gradient - heat is lost from the skin to the environment
Why do newborns struggle to maintain their own body temperature? (3 reasons)
- Large surface area compared with body mass
- Thin layer of subcutaneous fat
- Cannot shiver to produce heat
If heat loss is not prevented, how many degrees can a newborn’s temperature drop by in 5 minutes?
4.5 degrees
How is heat lost through radiation?
Through cold objects in the rooms not in contact with baby, eg. windows
How is heat lost is through conduction?
Through contact with cold objects, eg. scales, resuscitiare
How is heat lost is through evaporation?
Through wet skin
How is heat lost through convection?
Through drafts
What is the principal source of heat production in a neonate?
Non-shivering thermogenesis (break down of brown fat)
What TWO substances does non-shivering thermogenesis require?
Oxygen
and
Glucose
Which areas can brown fat be found in?
Around the neck, axillae (underarms), behind the sternum (chestbone) and between the scapulae (shoulder blades)
Deep layers surrounding adrenal glands, kidneys, trachea and oesphagous
Name the SIX stages of cold stree
- Increased metabolism of glucose and oxygen
- Increase in use of glycogen and depletion of glycogen stores
- Hypoglycaemia
- Oxygen consumption increases and increase in respiratory rate
- Requires more oxygen than is available leading to hypoxia and anaerobic respiration
- Respiratory distress
What is the normal core body temperature of a newborn?
36.5 - 37.2 degrees celcius
What is the core body temperature range of a newborn with mild hypothermia or cold stress?
36-36.4 degrees celcius
What is the core body temperature range of a newborn with moderate hypothermia?
32-35.9 degrees celcius
What is the core body temperature range of a newborn with severe hypothermia?
Less than 32 degrees celcius
