What should be monitored in a newborn with cold stress?

In a newborn with cold stress, temperature is the most critical factor to monitor. Cold stress can occur when a newborn is exposed to a temperature lower than their optimal range, leading to hypothermia. The infant's ability to maintain body heat is crucial as they have a high surface area-to-volume ratio and limited insulating subcutaneous fat.

Monitoring the newborn's temperature helps assess their thermoregulation abilities and the severity of cold stress. The newborn should be kept in a warm environment, and their temperature should be checked frequently to ensure it stays within a normal range (36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius or 97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit). This monitoring is essential, as prolonged exposure to cold can lead to metabolic issues, hypoglycemia, and increased risk of respiratory distress due to decreased oxygen delivery.

While urine output, respiration rate, and skin color are also important in assessing the overall health of a newborn, temperature is the immediate and direct indicator of response to cold stress. Managing and correcting hypothermia is the priority in these situations to prevent complications and ensure the newborn's safety.