Care of the Newborn and Family Flashcards
When are the two assessments for the APGAR score?
Immediately following birth and again 5 minutes later
List the SEVEN points in the APGAR score procedure
- Ensure adequate lighting
- Note time of delivery (first score at 1 minute)
- Act promptly and appropriately to the score
- Repeat score at 5 minutes
- Repeat again at 10 minutes and 15 minutes if active resuscitation is in progress
- Document findings
- Discuss with parents
List the FOUR aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn head
- Look for signs of caput and moulding / Does the head appear asymmetrical?
- Observe for visible signs if trauma
- Feel along suture lines and fontanelles. Are they normal size and appearance?
- Measure head circumference
List the FIVE aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn face
- Eyes - 2, general shape and size, cloudy may be cataracts, discharge may be infection
- Nose - shape and size, note if flaring and react
- Mouth - symmetrical? Inside should be viewed
- Ears - 2, formed and in correct position, skin tags noted
- Milia - pin head sized whited spots
List the FIVE aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn neck
- Examine for symmetry
- Feel to detect presence of swelling
- Head should be able to move from side to side
- Webbing can be unusual - react
- Feel both clavicles to ensure they are intact
List the FIVE aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn arms and hands
- Arms should be the same length
- Arms should both move freely, lack of movement may denote underlying trauma
- The number of digits should be counted. Polydactyly (extra digits) or syndactyly (webbing) should be noted
- Palm should be straightened and creases examined
- Look at the nails
List the SIX aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn chest
- Examine for symmetry
- Sternal recession should be reported immediately
- Nipples and areola should be well formed, accessory nipples noted
- Breasts may appear enlarged, not a concern if no signs of infection
- Heart rate should be 110 - 160 bpm
- Respiration rate should be 40 - 60 breaths per minute
List the THREE aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn abdomen
- Should be rounded and move in synchrony with the chest
- Inspect and gently palpate for swelling
- Umbilical cord should be securely clamped with no signs of haemorhage
List the TWO aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn genitalia
- BOYS, length of penis should be around 3 cm, position of urethral meatus confirmed, do not retract foreskin, palpate scrotum for presence of two testes
- GIRLS, examine for presence of clitoris, urethral and vaginal orifices, Mucoid discharge may be present
List the FIVE aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn legs
- Assess symmetry, length
- Both legs should move freely
- Shape of feet noted
- Count toes
- Look for polydactyly and syndacyly
List the TWO aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn feet
- Positional talipes - contraction of muscles and tendons related to positioning in utero
- Ankles should move freely
List the THREE aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn spine
- Look for obvious signs of swelling or dimpling or hairy patches (could indicate abnormality of the spine)
- Assess curvature by running fingers lightly over the spine
- Gently part cleft of buttocks to look for any dimples, sinuses and to confirm the presence of the anal sphincter
List the THREE aspects of the midwife’s examination of the newborn skin
- General condition should be observed
- Obvious swelling or spots should be recorded
- Mongolian blue spot may be present and should be differentiated from bruising
What THREE things should be measured following the birth?
- Weight in kilograms
- Length in centimetres
- Occipital Frontal Circumference (OFC) - normal range 32-37cm
List EIGHT danger signs in newborns
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- Convulsions (staring and lip twitching or limb twitches)
- Cold body temperature (less than 35.5 degrees)
- Hot body temperature (more than 37.5 degrees)
- Chest indrawing
- Fast breathing (more than 60 is too fast)
- Jaundice
Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus?
Umbilical vein
What is the foramen ovale?
The hole in the neonate’s heart between the right and left atria
What is the ductus arteriosus?
The vessel which allows the blood to bypass the pulmonary arteries and flow in to the aorta
What is the ductus venosus?
The vein which allows most of the oxygenated blood to enter directly in to the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver
What is surfactant?
A substance produced in the lungs, which encourages the alveoli to stay open in the newborn
What is non-shivering thermogenesis?
The generation of heat in the newborn, by increasing the cellular metabolic rate in skeletal muscle and the breakdown of brown fat
What are the TWO types of urinary incontinence and describe each
Stress incontinence
Pelvic floor is weakened, sudden increase in abdominal pressure occurs and external urinary sphincter fails to contract
Urge incontinence
Sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate
What can be used as a preventative strategy for incontinence?
Pelvic floor exercises