N8010 Lesson Plans: Week 4: Thermoregulation PDF

N8010 Lesson Plans: **Week 4 : Thermoregulation** **Learning Objectives** **By the end of this session, students will be able to:** 1. **Understand the mechanisms of heat production and loss in neonates.** 2. **Identify major thermoregulatory issues in neonates.** 3. **Discuss the metho...

N8010 Lesson Plans: **Week 4 : Thermoregulation** **Learning Objectives** **By the end of this session, students will be able to:** 1. **Understand the mechanisms of heat production and loss in neonates.** 2. **Identify major thermoregulatory issues in neonates.** 3. **Discuss the methods of monitoring thermoregulation in neonates.** 4. **Develop strategies to prevent thermoregulatory problems in neonates.** Lesson Structure 1\. Introduction (10 minutes) - Icebreaker Activity: Ask students to share their understanding of thermoregulation in neonates. - Importance of Thermoregulation: Highlight the unique physiology of neonates, their increased vulnerability to temperature changes, and the impact on morbidity and mortality. 2\. Heat Production in Neonates (15 minutes) Key Concepts: - Non-shivering thermogenesis: Role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and its activation by norepinephrine. - Limited shivering response: Discuss why neonates rely primarily on non-shivering mechanisms. - Role of metabolism: Explain the increased metabolic rate in response to cold stress. Teaching Methods: - Interactive Lecture: Use diagrams to illustrate BAT location and physiology. - Case Scenario: Present a case of a preterm infant in cold stress and ask students how heat production mechanisms might fail. 3\. Heat Loss Mechanisms in Neonates (20 minutes) Key Mechanisms: 1. Convection: Heat loss to surrounding air. 2. Conduction: Heat loss to surfaces in direct contact. 3. Radiation: Heat loss to cooler objects not in direct contact. 4. Evaporation: Heat loss from skin due to moisture, especially post-birth or during bathing. Teaching Methods: - Visual Demonstration: Show examples of how heat loss occurs (e.g., baby under radiant warmer vs. uncovered baby). - Group Activity: Students brainstorm strategies to minimize each type of heat loss. 4\. Major Thermoregulatory Issues (15 minutes) Key Conditions: - Hypothermia: Causes, signs (e.g., lethargy, hypoglycemia), and complications (e.g., metabolic acidosis). - Hyperthermia: Causes (e.g., overheating in incubators), signs, and risks. - Cold Stress: Cascade of events leading to hypoxemia and hypoglycemia. Teaching Methods: - Clinical Case Discussions: Analyze examples of hypothermia and hyperthermia in neonates. - Role Play: How a nurse should respond to a hypothermic neonate. 5\. Monitoring Thermoregulation (10 minutes) Key Tools: - Axillary temperature: Gold standard for neonates. - Skin probes: For continuous monitoring in critical care settings. - Core temperature: When indicated for detailed thermoregulation assessment. Teaching Methods: - Demonstration: Show how to use a skin temperature probe on a manikin. - Discussion: Compare different monitoring tools and their indications. 6\. Prevention of Thermoregulatory Issues (15 minutes) Key Strategies: - Delivery Room Practices: Immediate drying, skin-to-skin contact, use of radiant warmers. - Environmental Controls: Optimal room temperature, pre-warming linens, maintaining incubator humidity. - Family-Centered Care: Educating parents on appropriate dressing and swaddling. Teaching Methods: - Small Group Work: Students develop a thermoregulation protocol for a neonatal unit. - Simulation: Practice delivery room thermal care for a preterm infant. 7\. Summary and Q&A (5 minutes) - Recap key points using a visual summary (e.g., infographic). - Open floor for questions and clarification. Assessment: - Formative: Interactive questions during the session, case-based discussions. - Summative: Post-class quiz on thermoregulation mechanisms and prevention strategies. Resources: - Handouts: Summary of heat production, heat loss mechanisms, and management strategies. - Visual Aids: Charts, manikins, and videos demonstrating neonatal thermoregulation care. - Recommended Reading: Articles on neonatal thermoregulation in recent journals like *Advances in Neonatal Care*. **(Roychoudhury & Yusuf, 2017)** Roychoudhury, S., & Yusuf, K. (2017). Thermoregulation: Advances in Preterm Infants. *NeoReviews*, *18*(12), e692-e702.