care of newborn

Question 1

Role of surfactant in respiratory system adaptations

Answer 1

Surface tension reducing lipoprotein that prevents alveolar collapse, thereby allowing gas exchange

Question 2

Site of gas exchange in fetus and newborn respectively.

Answer 2

Foetus: placenta
Newborn: lungs

Question 3

What does APGAR represent

Answer 3

A- appearance (skin colour)
P- pulse
G- grimase (reflex irritability)
A- activity (muscle tone)
R- respiration

Question 4

APGAR score is 3 and below. What must be done?

Answer 4

Immediate resuscitation

Question 5

List out some measures to prevent hypothermia.

Answer 5

• Delivery in warm environment
• (Evaporation) Immediate drying of the infant to minimise heat loss by evaporation
• (Radiation) Keep out of cold windows & cold objects (circulation of air)
• (Conduction) Skin to skin contact with mother
• Regular feeds
• (Convection) cover with blanket, wear a cop

Question 6

Hypothermia can cause

Answer 6

hypoglycemia and increased O2 needs

Question 7

State the immediate actions nurse must perform to ensure the well-being of the newborn at birth

Answer 7

1. Clear airway
2. Ensure heart rate is above 100 bpm
3. Keep infant warm

Question 8

Describe care of the umbilical cord stump

Answer 8

• cord clamp 2-3cm from umbilicus
• in the 1st 24h, check cord for bleeding
• keeping cord stump exposed, clean with moist cotton swab and allow it to air-dry
• good umbilical cord care will help the stump dry and fall off with the 1st 1-3 weeks aft birth

Question 9

How to prevent haemorrhage?

Answer 9

Vit. K prophylaxis

• placenta transfer is poor
• sterile bowel
• low lvls in breast milk
• single intramuscular dose is sufficient

Question 10

Characteristics of infection of newborn

Answer 10

• immature immune system
• thin & fragile skin
• low level of phagocytes
• low level of antibodies
• rely on passive immunity from mother

Question 11

Infants must establish breathing within _____

Answer 11

1 min @ birth