baby skin assessment Flashcards
What is the highest priority in newborn assessment?
Good respiratory function.
What aspects of a newborn’s skin are assessed during a general inspection?
Color, birthmarks, rashes, and general appearance.
What can pale and cyanotic skin in a newborn indicate?
Poor central nervous system control or respiratory difficulty.
What is acrocyanosis?
Blue discoloration of the lips, hands, and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. It is normal for the first 24-48 hours after birth.
What is central cyanosis, and why is it concerning?
Cyanosis of the trunk, which is always a cause for concern as it indicates serious oxygenation issues.
What causes hyperbilirubinemia in newborns?
Accumulation of excess bilirubin in the blood due to breakdown of fetal red blood cells and immature liver function.
When does physiologic jaundice typically appear?
On the second or third day of life.
Why do newborns struggle to process bilirubin efficiently?
Their immature liver function prevents indirect bilirubin from being converted to direct bilirubin.
What bilirubin level causes jaundice to become visible?
When indirect bilirubin rises above 5 mg/dL.
What is the significance of jaundice appearing in the first 24 hours?
It may indicate a pathologic cause and requires urgent evaluation.
What is kernicterus?
Permanent neurologic damage caused by high levels of indirect bilirubin interfering with brain cell synthesis.
At what bilirubin level is treatment usually considered?
When indirect bilirubin exceeds 10-12 mg/dL.
What is the most common treatment for hyperbilirubinemia?
Phototherapy (light exposure to help mature liver enzymes).
What is vernix caseosa?
A white, cream cheese-like substance that serves as a skin lubricant and protective barrier in utero.
What are the functions of vernix caseosa?
Skin surface adaptation, temperature regulation, skin hydration, prevention of water loss, and antimicrobial protection.
What is lanugo?
Fine, soft, downy hair covering a newborn’s shoulders, back, upper arms, forehead, and ears.
What happens to lanugo after birth?
It is rubbed away by bedding and clothing, usually disappearing by 2 weeks of age.
What are milia?
Pinpoint white papules on a newborn’s face caused by plugged sebaceous glands.
When do milia disappear?
By 3-4 weeks of age as sebaceous glands mature.
What is desquamation?
Skin peeling or dryness occurring within 24-48 hours of birth as the newborn adapts to an air-filled environment.
Is treatment needed for desquamation?
No, it is a normal process requiring no intervention.
What is erythema toxicum?
A common newborn rash appearing within the first 4 days, sometimes called “flea-bite” or “stork bite” rash.
How does erythema toxicum progress?
Starts as small papules, becomes erythematous by day 2, and disappears by day 3.
When can erythema toxicum appear?
Any time from birth to 2 weeks of age.
