Which intervention is commonly used to prevent heat loss in a neonate with gastroschisis and exposed bowels?

• A. Place infant in a sterile bowel bag
• B. Wrap with a standard blanket only
• C. Place in a warm bath
• D. Apply an adhesive occlusive dressing over the abdomen

Answer: (A)

When bowel tissue is exposed, keeping the infant warm and protecting the viscera from drying out is critical. A sterile bowel bag provides a sterile, moisture-retentive barrier over the exposed bowels, reducing evaporative and conductive heat loss and preventing desiccation and contamination. It creates a controlled environment that preserves warmth while keeping the tissue moist and protected until surgical repair can occur.

Wrapping with a standard blanket won’t prevent rapid heat loss from exposed tissue. A warm bath would cause further heat loss and pose infection risks. An adhesive occlusive dressing over the abdomen may not provide a complete, sterile barrier for all exposed surfaces and can irritate or harm delicate tissue.