Confused??

i usually tell students to word this as ineffective thermoregulation r/t immature compensation for changes in environmental temperature. the r/t part of the diagnostic statement is the etiology, or cause of the nursing problem. all babies whether they are immature or full term have a thermoregulation (temperature fluctuation between hypothermia and hyperthermia) problem. immaturity is a listed related factor for this diagnosis, but the inability to compensate for the external atmospheric temperature is a better explanation of the cause for these symptoms in a newborn (page 348, nanda international nursing diagnoses: definitions and classifications 2009-2011):

• cool skin
  
• flushed skin
  
• cyanotic nail beds
  
• body temps that fluctuate above and below normal range
  
• hypertension
  
• elevated respiratory rates
  
• mild shivering
  
• moderate pallor
  
• piloerection
  
• seizures
  
• slow capillary refill
  
• tachycardia
  
• warm to touch