Final answer:
The nurse's goal when a newborn is experiencing cold stress is to limit oxygen consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a newborn is observed experiencing cold stress, the nurse's goal is to limit oxygen consumption. This is because when the body is exposed to cold, it tries to generate heat through nonshivering thermogenesis, which involves the breakdown of brown adipose tissue or brown fat. By limiting oxygen consumption, the nurse helps the newborn conserve energy and prevent excessive heat loss.