Touch assessment and frequency of neonatal temperature measurement
THE CONTEXT
The warmth of the abdomen and extremities provides an approximate assessment of temperature; measurement frequency depends on the neonate’s size and health.
Assessment by touch
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Use the back of the examiner’s hand to touch the baby’s hands, feet, and abdomen.
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Warm hands, feet, and abdomen indicate normal body temperature.
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A warm abdomen with cold hands and feet indicates mild to moderate hypothermia.
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Cold hands, feet, and abdomen suggest severe hypothermia.
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Encourage the mother to assess the neonate’s body temperature by touch.
WHO temperature measurement schedule
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For healthy term neonates who are otherwise well, measure temperature once daily, preferably in the early morning.
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For healthy small neonates weighing 2 to 2.5 kg, measure temperature three times daily.
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For very small neonates weighing less than 2 kg, measure temperature four times daily.
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For sick neonates, measure temperature every two hours.