10/30/12

Monitoring Temperature Using an Overhead Radiant Warmer

Goal: The infant’s temperature is maintained within normal limits without injury.

1. Check medical order or nursing care plan for the use of a radiant warmer.

2. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

3. Identify the patient.

4. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible. Discuss the procedure with the patient’s family.

5. Plug in the warmer. Turn the warmer to the manual setting. Allow the blankets to warm before placing the infant under the warmer.

6. Switch the warmer setting to automatic. Set the warmer to the desired abdominal skin temperature, usually 36.5 C.

7. Place the infant under the warmer. Attach the probe to the infant’s abdominal skin at mid-epigastrium, halfway between the xiphoid and the umbilicus. Cover with a foil patch.

8. When the abdominal skin temperature reaches the desired set point, check the patient’s axillary or rectal temperature, based on facility policy, to be sure it is within the normal range.

9. Adjust the warmer’s set point slightly, as needed, if the axillary or rectal temperature is abnormal. Do not change the set point if the axillary or rectal temperature is normal.

10. Remove additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.

11. Check frequently to be sure the probe maintains contact with the patient’s skin. Continue to monitor temperature measurement and other vital signs.

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