Which of the following is a critical factor in neonatal transport care?

Maintaining normothermia is crucial in neonatal transport care because newborns, particularly preterm infants, have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, making them susceptible to significant heat loss. This predisposition can lead to hypothermia, which can have serious consequences, including increased risk of metabolic disturbances, respiratory issues, and overall compromised stability.

During transport, especially if it involves moving the infant from one environment to another (such as from a hospital to a referral center), it is essential to keep the infant’s body temperature within a normal range to promote optimal metabolic functioning and reduce stress on the body. This is typically achieved through proper wrapping, the use of warmed incubators, and environmental temperature controls.

In contrast, options suggesting a lack of monitoring, reducing medication, or minimizing parental involvement do not address the fundamental needs of the neonate during transport and can negatively impact care quality and outcomes. Therefore, ensuring that the infant remains normothermic is recognized as a best practice and a critical component of safe neonatal transport.