The correct answer is choice A. Recheck the temperature in 15 minutes. The normal temperature range for newborn babies is between 96.8°F and 100.3°F, with the average being 98.6°F. A rectal reading is the most accurate way to take a baby’s temperature. A fever is considered to be a temperature of 100.4°F or higher. If a baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, it requires urgent care and a pediatrician should be called immediately.

However, if the baby’s temperature is slightly below the normal range, it may not be a cause for concern. It could be due to being wrapped up tightly in a blanket, in a very warm room, very active, cuddling a hot water bottle, wearing a lot of clothes or having a bath. Therefore, the nurse should recheck the temperature in 15 minutes after allowing the baby to cool down for a few minutes.

Choice B is wrong because notifying the health care provider immediately is not necessary unless the baby has a fever of 100.4°F or higher or other signs of illness.

Choice C is wrong because placing the newborn under a radiant warmer is not appropriate unless the baby has hypothermia