What are the consequences of cold stress in a newborn?

The correct answer highlights the physiological responses that occur in a newborn due to cold stress. When a newborn experiences cold stress, there is an increase in the metabolism of brown adipose tissue (BAT). This specialized fat is crucial for thermoregulation in infants and helps them generate heat through non-shivering thermogenesis.

As BAT is metabolized, it liberates fatty acids, which can lead to metabolic byproducts that influence the body’s pH levels. When fatty acids are released into circulation, they may result in a state of metabolic acidosis if the buffering capacity of the blood is exceeded, thus decreasing the pH. This process is essential to understand as it contributes to both immediate and longer-term health outcomes for the newborn, particularly in response to environmental conditions.

This understanding underscores the importance of immediate warmth for newborns to prevent cold stress, as the associated metabolic changes can have significant implications for their overall health, including respiratory function and the acid-base balance in their bodies.