According to WHO hypothermia is considered in new-born according to axillary temperature?

NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the normal axillary temperature range for a newborn as 36.5°C to 37.5°C.
Neonatal hypothermia is defined as any axillary temperature reading below 36.5°C (97.7°F).
Therefore, 36.5°C serves as the critical lower threshold. A temperature at this level is considered the lowest point of normal, while any value below it signifies the onset of hypothermia.

Option B: This temperature is within the established normal range for a newborn (36.5°C - 37.5°C).
Option C: This temperature signifies moderate hypothermia (32.0°C - 35.9°C), which is a more severe condition than the initial onset of hypothermia.
Option D: This temperature indicates hyperthermia (fever), as it is above the normal upper limit of 37.5°C. It is the opposite of hypothermia.

Visual 1: Infographic - A color-coded thermometer illustrating the different temperature zones for a newborn: Severe Hypothermia (deep blue), Moderate Hypothermia (light blue), Mild Hypothermia/Cold Stress (yellow), Normal (green), and Hyperthermia (red). This provides a quick visual reference for the different classifications.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain WHO classification of neonatal hypothermia as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate temperature monitoring is a fundamental nursing responsibility in neonatal care. Newborns, especially preterm and low-birth-weight infants, have immature thermoregulation and are at high risk for rapid heat loss.
Unmanaged hypothermia can lead to serious complications, including hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, poor weight gain, and increased mortality.
What if? If a newborn's axillary temperature is 36.2°C (mild hypothermia), the nurse's immediate priority is to initiate rewarming. This includes skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Mother Care), wrapping the infant in warm blankets, ensuring the head is covered, and placing the baby under a radiant warmer. Blood glucose levels should also be monitored as the baby will be using more energy to stay warm.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It asks for a specific value based on a guideline from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding neonatal hypothermia.
Recognize this as a factual recall question. The answer is a standard, internationally recognized definition.
Recall the normal temperature range for a newborn. The key is knowing the lower limit of this range.
The normal axillary temperature range is 36.5°C to 37.5°C. Hypothermia is defined as any temperature below this normal range.
Therefore, the threshold at which hypothermia is 'considered' is the lower boundary of the normal range, which is 36.5°C.
Evaluate the given options based on this threshold to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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