What is one example of evaporation heat loss in an infant?

Evaporation heat loss occurs when liquid on the skin surface transforms into vapor, leading to a decrease in body temperature. In the case of a wet infant immediately after birth, the moisture on their skin evaporates into the surrounding air. This process requires energy in the form of heat, which is drawn from the infant's body, resulting in a significant drop in temperature if not addressed promptly.

Maintaining the infant's temperature is crucial because newborns have a limited ability to regulate their own body heat, making them particularly vulnerable to hypothermia. This phenomenon is especially critical in a clinical setting, where the immediate care provided to a newborn can greatly influence their thermoregulation and overall health outcomes.

The other options do not represent evaporation heat loss effectively. For instance, being fed or bathed with warm water may actually help maintain or raise the infant’s temperature. Being placed on a cold scale involves conductive heat loss, where heat is lost directly to a cooler surface, rather than through evaporation.