CARE OF BABY ON RADIANT WARMER

INTRODUTION

Thermoregulation is a critical function which is closely linked to the survival of preterm infants,
sick neonates and infants. Hypothermia has a direct relationship with mortality and morbidity, and
is also an independent predictor of mortality i.e. 28% increase in mortality for each 1o C drop in
temperature (Costello et al. 2000, Morehouse 2014). Heat loss will occur at between 0.1ºC to 0.3ºC,
up to 1ºC per minute in the newborn nursed in an inappropriate environment. Consequently, the
nurse has a crucial role in limiting heat loss and providing the correct thermal environment. There is
a responsibility to ensure that heat loss is minimised and that thermal conditions are stable for the
infant, resulting in reduction in energy burnt, improved growth and lower oxygen requirements
(Allen 2011). Monitoring accurate core and skin temperatures are vital. It is fundamental to
understand the mechanisms of heat production and heat loss pertaining to the preterm infant. The
nurse must also have a thorough knowledge of the equipment available and how to use it safely and
appropriately

DEFINITION:

Radiant warmers are used to keep babies in a thermoneutral zone.

PURPOSE

To maintain body temperature.

To assist in baby’s procedure (i.e.) portable x-ray, ventilator, ICD,
resuscitation, intubation.
To change position.
For continuous observation. To
assess the child frequently.
To detect any deviation from normal.
SCOPE

Babies who are under radiant warmers for care.

EQUIPMENTS NECESSARY

Open care radian warmer.

Assembled with connections of oxygen flow, suction apparatus, oxygen hood,
and pulse-oximeter and skin temperature probe, atmospheric temperature
probe.
Stethoscope, Digital Thermometer
ESSENTIAL STEPS IN PROCEDURE

Sl. No PROCEDURE RATIONALE

1 Wash hands. To prevent from cross infection.

2 Assemble the equipments. To minimize time, material and

energy.
3 Switch on the warmer and warm up the sheets to To prevent from hypothermia.
receive the baby.

4 Receive the baby and fix the temperature probe To know the accurate temperature
on abdomen or thigh. of the baby.

5 Stabilize the baby and keep the warmer in servo There is no set temperature in the
mode and monitor the temperature of the baby. manual mode.

6 Respond to the alarm immediately and continues To see what is wrong immediately
monitoring is essential. and to carry out the necessary
intervention.

7 Provide skin care and change the placement of To maintain skin integrity.
the probe every q6h

8 Turn the position of the baby every q2h. Aids in observation.

9 Record all the activities in the case file. To maintain the record
appropriately.

10 Report any untoward sign of the child To aid in the early recovery of the
immediately to doctor. child.