What is the correct immediate thermoregulation step for a newborn?

• A. Cover the body with dry towel
• B. Immerse in warm water
• C. Dry the head and body
• D. Apply lotion

Answer: (C)

Immediately after birth, preventing heat loss is the priority. Thoroughly dry the infant, including the head and body, to minimize evaporative heat loss from moisture on the skin and scalp. The head is a major source of heat loss in a newborn, so drying it promptly helps stabilize temperature quickly. Immersing the newborn in warm water would increase heat loss and is not appropriate as an immediate measure. Simply covering with a towel helps, but drying the head and body addresses evaporative loss far more effectively. Lotion has no role in thermoregulation. After drying, the baby is typically kept warm under a radiant warmer or wrapped in dry blankets.