In thermoregulation of newborns, which statement is true regarding temperature and metabolism?

• A. Neonates should be kept in non-neutral environments to conserve energy
• B. Neonates cannot shiver and become stressed in cold temperatures
• C. Brown fat is not used to maintain heat in newborns
• D. Temperature has no effect on oxygen consumption

Answer: (B)

Newborns rely on non-shivering thermogenesis to stay warm. They don’t have the ability to shiver effectively, so their heat production in the cold comes mainly from brown fat metabolism. When exposed to cold, their metabolic rate increases to generate heat, which raises oxygen consumption and energy use. This heightened metabolic demand can cause stress in the infant, manifesting as tachypnea, irritability, and feeding difficulties. In other words, they cannot shiver to generate heat, and cold temperatures provoke metabolic stress, making that statement true. Cooler environments also increase energy expenditure, while a neutral environment helps conserve energy; the other choices contradict these physiological realities, such as brown fat being unused, temperature not affecting oxygen use, or the idea that neutral environments aren’t important for energy conservation.