What is the appropriate action for a nurse assessing a newborn with an axillary temperature of 36.1°C (97°F) shortly after birth?

The appropriate action for a nurse assessing a newborn with an axillary temperature of 36.1°C (97°F) shortly after birth is to place the newborn skin to skin on the mother's chest. This practice, known as kangaroo care, promotes warmth through direct contact, which helps regulate the infant’s body temperature effectively. Skin-to-skin contact not only provides thermal stability but also fosters bonding between the mother and the newborn, enhances breastfeeding success, and can improve the overall physiological stability of the baby.

When a newborn is born, they are at risk for hypothermia due to their wet skin and the transition from the warm environment of the womb to a cooler external environment. Skin-to-skin contact delivers an immediate source of warmth, allowing the infant to absorb heat from the mother while also contributing to the stabilization of vital signs and fostering a nurturing environment.

In contrast, wrapping the newborn in a warm blanket, placing them under a radiant warmer, or administering a warming bath are also methods used to manage hypothermia. However, skin-to-skin contact is often prioritized because it not only warms the infant but also enhances emotional and physiological bonding. Therefore, while all these interventions can be appropriate in certain contexts, skin-to-skin contact is the