NORCET 2 -2021 (Shift…: 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

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neonatal hypothermia is defined as an axillary temperature of less than 36.5°C.
The normal axillary temperature range for a newborn is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C.
Therefore, 36.5°C is the critical threshold. Any temperature reading below this value signifies that the newborn is experiencing some level of hypothermia, starting with cold stress or mild hypothermia.

Option B: A temperature of 36.7°C is within the normal range (36.5°C - 37.5°C) for a newborn and does not indicate hypothermia.
Option C: A temperature of 35.6°C signifies moderate hypothermia. The question asks for the threshold at which hypothermia is first considered, not a value within the moderate range.
Option D: A temperature of 38.6°C indicates hyperthermia (fever), which is an elevated body temperature, the opposite of what the question is asking.

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.
Maintaining a newborn's temperature is critical. The 'warm chain' is a series of ten steps to prevent hypothermia, including a warm delivery room, immediate drying, skin-to-skin contact, and early breastfeeding.
Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring a newborn's temperature, especially for preterm or low-birth-weight infants who are at higher risk due to less subcutaneous fat and immature thermoregulation.
What if? If a newborn's temperature is 36.2°C, the nurse identifies this as mild hypothermia (cold stress). The immediate nursing action is to initiate rewarming measures, such as providing skin-to-skin contact with the mother, ensuring the baby is dry, and covering with warm blankets and a cap.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'WHO', 'hypothermia', 'new-born', and 'axillary temperature'. This indicates the question is asking for a specific, standardized medical definition.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge of standard pediatric vital signs and international guidelines.
Recall the WHO's definition for the normal temperature range in a newborn and the threshold for hypothermia.
The normal range is 36.5°C to 37.5°C. Hypothermia is defined as any temperature below 36.5°C.
Evaluate the given options based on this definition. 36.5°C is the cutoff point that defines the lower limit of normal.
Eliminate other options: 36.7°C is normal, 35.6°C is already moderate hypothermia, and 38.6°C is hyperthermia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 138-140

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 168-170