What intervention is crucial to prevent hypothermia in newborns during resuscitation?

Activating a radiant warmer is crucial for preventing hypothermia in newborns during resuscitation because it provides a controlled, warm environment that helps maintain the infant's body temperature. Newborns, especially those who are preterm or have health complications, have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature due to their small size and the immaturity of their thermal regulation systems.

Radiant warmers deliver heat without direct contact, which is essential during resuscitation because it allows medical personnel to perform necessary interventions while keeping the newborn warm. This approach helps to minimize energy expenditure and enhances the effectiveness of the resuscitation efforts, ultimately improving the chances of survival and reducing the risk of complications associated with hypothermia.

In contrast, other interventions such as administering warm fluids or immediate cold exposure therapy do not sufficiently address thermal regulation in the environment where intensive resuscitation takes place. Keeping the newborn away from heat sources would further complicate temperature management in a situation where maintaining warmth is imperative. Therefore, using a radiant warmer is a primary and effective strategy in neonatal care during emergencies.