What should be done to prevent heat loss in preterm newborns?

To prevent heat loss in preterm newborns, increasing the room temperature is an essential measure. Preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia because they have a higher body surface area relative to their mass and have less subcutaneous fat compared to full-term infants. Maintaining a warm environment is crucial to minimize heat loss through conduction, convection, and radiation.

When the ambient temperature is elevated, it helps to create a stable thermal environment that reduces the risk of hypothermia and promotes better outcomes for the newborn. This practice is especially critical during the initial moments after birth, as preterm infants may already have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

Other options provided could lead to increased heat loss rather than preventing it. Reducing personnel in the delivery area might not significantly impact heat loss and could delay necessary care for the newborn. Delaying wrapping the newborn would expose them to cooler air and could contribute to heat loss, which is not advisable. Using cold water during resuscitation would pose a risk of hypothermia, as it would lower the infant's body temperature instead of maintaining it. Thus, increasing the room temperature is the most effective and appropriate strategy for preventing heat loss in preterm newborns.