How can a nurse best prevent heat loss in a newborn during the first hour of life?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Place the newborn under a radiant warmer. This method is the most effective in preventing heat loss in a newborn as radiant warmers provide a consistent heat source to maintain the newborn's body temperature. This is crucial during the first hour of life when newborns are at a higher risk of hypothermia.
Choice B is not as effective as using a radiant warmer as it may not provide enough warmth to prevent heat loss. Choice C, placing the newborn in a skin-to-skin position with the mother, is beneficial for bonding and regulating the newborn's temperature in the long term but may not be as effective as a radiant warmer in the immediate post-birth period.
Choice D, keeping the newborn wrapped in a wet blanket, is incorrect as wet blankets can further contribute to heat loss through evaporative cooling. In summary, using a radiant warmer is the best option for preventing heat loss in a newborn during the critical first hour of life.