HESI Pediatric Nursing Case Study – Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Practice Test

Maintaining a newborn’s temperature in the NICU relies on providing heat in a way that directly supports the infant’s skin and core temperature while allowing easy access for care. A radiant warmer delivers heat as infrared energy from above, warming the infant’s body directly. This is especially important during stabilization, measurements, feeding, or any procedure, because it quickly offsets heat loss from evaporation, respiration, and exposure, helping keep the baby in a safe, neutral thermal environment.

An incubator or isolette also maintains temperature, humidity, and a stable environment, but they are enclosed and can make frequent access more cumbersome. A convection blanket isn’t a standard NICU device for maintaining warmth in this context. So, for actively maintaining the newborn’s temperature with ready access for care, the radiant warmer is the most effective choice.