Chapter 4 Flashcards
What are the effects obstetric medications have on the neonate?
Obstetric medications can affect the neonate’s respiratory function, muscle tone, and overall health immediately after birth.
These medications can lead to complications such as respiratory depression or reduced alertness.
What is the length of the neonatal period?
The neonatal period lasts from birth to 28 days after birth.
Define ‘Fontanel’
Fontanel refers to the soft spots on a baby’s skull where the bones have not yet fused.
Define ‘Lanugo’
Lanugo is the fine, soft hair that covers a fetus and is usually shed before or shortly after birth.
Define ‘Meconium’
Meconium is the first stool of a newborn, consisting of digested amniotic fluid, mucus, and other substances.
Define ‘Vernix caseosa’
Vernix caseosa is the waxy, white substance that coats the skin of a newborn, providing protection in utero.
What is the Apgar Scale?
The Apgar Scale is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn’s health at 1 and 5 minutes after birth based on five criteria: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, and Respiration.
What is the Brazelton Scale?
The Brazelton Scale is an assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn’s behavioral and neurological responses.
What is the average weight and length of the neonate?
The average weight of a neonate is about 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg) and the average length is approximately 20 inches (51 cm).
Define ‘Moro’ reflex
Moro is a reflex where a baby throws their arms out and then inward in response to a sensation of falling.
Define ‘Darwinian’ reflex
Darwinian reflex refers to the grasp reflex where a baby will grasp an object placed in their palm.
Define ‘Tonic neck’ reflex
Tonic neck reflex is when a baby turns their head to one side and extends the arm on that side while flexing the opposite arm.
Define ‘Rooting’ reflex
Rooting reflex is when a baby turns their head and opens their mouth in response to a touch on the cheek.
Define ‘Waking’ in infant terminology
Waking refers to the state when an infant transitions from sleep to alertness.
What does ‘states of arousal’ refer to in infants?
States of arousal refer to the various levels of alertness and activity that an infant exhibits, ranging from deep sleep to full alertness.
What are reasons for the drop in immunizations?
Reasons for the drop in immunizations include vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and access issues.
Why are immunizations important?
Immunizations are important because they prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect the health of individuals and communities.
How do obstetric medications affect the Apgar Scale?
Obstetric medications can lower Apgar scores by impacting the newborn’s respiratory and neurological stability.
Discuss the differences between bottle and breastfeeding
Bottle feeding provides convenience and measured feeding, while breastfeeding offers nutritional benefits and bonding.
Describe early sensory capacity of the infant in terms of pain
Infants have a well-developed capacity to feel pain, showing reactions such as crying or withdrawal.
Describe early sensory capacity of the infant in terms of hearing
Infants can hear sounds and respond to familiar voices, showing preference for their mother’s voice.
Describe early sensory capacity of the infant in terms of smell
Infants can recognize their mother’s scent and show preference for sweet smells.
Describe early sensory capacity of the infant in terms of vision
Infants have limited vision at birth, primarily seeing high-contrast patterns and objects close to their face.
Describe early sensory capacity of the infant in terms of taste
Infants can taste and show preference for sweet flavors, often reacting positively to sugar solutions.
Describe early sensory capacity of the infant in terms of temperature
Infants can sense temperature changes and react to hot or cold stimuli.
Define ‘temperament’
Temperament refers to the innate traits that influence how an individual reacts to the world, including mood, activity level, and emotional reactivity.
What are weight and height changes during the first year of life?
During the first year, infants typically triple their birth weight and grow about 10 inches in length.
What are milestones for motor development in infants?
Milestones for motor development include rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking.
Identify important determinants of a child’s size and shape
Important determinants include genetics, nutrition, health, and environmental factors.
What was childbirth like in Europe and the United States before the twentieth century?
Childbirth was a female ritual that occurred at home and was attended by a midwife. Pain relief was minimal and risks for mother and baby were high.
This reflects practices similar to those in some developing countries today.
What role did midwives play in childbirth before the twentieth century?
Midwives attended births at home.
They were the primary caregivers for childbirth during this period.
How did the development of obstetrics impact childbirth?
It professionalized childbirth, leading to births taking place in hospitals attended by physicians.
This marked a significant shift from home births to medicalized hospital births.
What advancements have improved safety in childbirth?
Medical advances dramatically improved safety for mothers and babies.
These advancements include better prenatal care, sterile environments, and improved surgical techniques.
What are the current options for childbirth for women with normal, low-risk pregnancies?
Delivery at home or in birth centers attended by midwives.
These options can be relatively safe alternatives to physician-attended hospital delivery.
True or False: Childbirth in the past was generally attended by physicians.
False. Childbirth was typically attended by midwives at home.
Fill in the blank: Before the twentieth century, childbirth was characterized by minimal _______.
pain relief
What were the risks associated with childbirth before the twentieth century?
High risks for mother and baby.
This highlights the dangers that were prevalent in childbirth practices of that time.
What is the normal preparatory period before birth called?
Parturition
What are the three stages of the birth process?
- Dilation of the cervix
- Descent and emergence of the baby
- Expulsion of the umbilical cord and the placenta
What can electronic fetal monitoring detect during high-risk births?
Signs of fetal distress
What percentage of births in the United States are by cesarean delivery?
About 32 percent
What can alternative methods of childbirth minimize?
The need for painkilling drugs
What do alternative methods of childbirth maximize?
Parents’ active involvement
How do modern epidurals provide pain relief compared to the past?
With smaller doses of medication
What benefits can the presence of a doula provide?
Physical benefits and emotional support
What is the neonatal period?
A time of transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life
This period marks significant physiological changes as the newborn adjusts to life outside the womb.
What happens to a newborn’s systems at birth?
They become independent of the mother’s
This includes the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, elimination, and temperature regulation systems.
What may occur if a newborn cannot start breathing within about 5 minutes?
Brain injury may occur
Timely initiation of breathing is critical for preventing neurological damage.
What reflex do newborns have that aids in feeding?
Strong sucking reflex
This reflex is essential for breastfeeding and feeding in general.
What is meconium?
The first stool secreted from the intestinal tract of a newborn
It is typically thick, sticky, and dark green in color.
What condition may newborns be subject to due to immaturity of the liver?
Neonatal jaundice
This condition is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
What does the Apgar score assess?
How well a neonate is adjusting to extrauterine life
The score is taken at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
What is the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale used for?
To assess responses to the environment and predict future development
This scale helps in understanding a newborn’s behavioral patterns.
What conditions are screened for during neonatal screening?
Certain rare conditions, such as PKU and congenital hypothyroidism
Early detection of these conditions is crucial for treatment and management.
What governs a newborn’s state of arousal?
Periodic cycles of wakefulness, sleep, and activity
These cycles influence the newborn’s overall behavior and development.
What happens to a neonate’s sleep patterns by about 6 months?
Babies do most of their sleeping at night
Sleep patterns typically shift as the infant grows and develops.
How do cultural customs affect newborns?
They affect sleep patterns
Different cultures may have varying practices regarding infant care and sleep.
What are some complications of childbirth?
Low birth weight, postmature birth, stillbirth
These complications can significantly affect infant health and survival.
What defines low birth weight?
Babies that may be either preterm or small-for-gestational-age
Low birth weight is considered a major health risk for infants.
Why is low birth weight significant?
It is a major factor in infant mortality and can cause long-term physical and cognitive problems
Understanding the implications of low birth weight is crucial for neonatal care.
What is the prognosis for very-low-birth-weight babies compared to those who weigh more?
Very-low-birth-weight babies have a less promising prognosis
Their survival rates and health outcomes tend to be poorer.
Fill in the blank: Low birth weight is a major factor in _______.
infant mortality
True or False: Postmature birth is considered a complication of childbirth.
True
What are the two classifications of low birth weight babies?
Preterm, small-for-gestational-age
These classifications help in assessing risks and care needs.
Where do the vast majority of infant deaths occur?
In developing countries
What can reduce infant mortality?
Postnatal care
Is the infant mortality rate in the United States high?
Yes, especially among African American babies
What is the leading cause of death in infancy?
Birth defects
What are the other leading causes of death in infancy after birth defects?
- Disorders related to prematurity and low birth weight
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Maternal complications of pregnancy
- Complications of the placenta, umbilical cord, and membranes
What is the leading cause of postneonatal death in the United States?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
How have SIDS rates changed in the United States?
They have declined markedly
What recommendation has contributed to the decline in SIDS rates?
Lay babies on their backs to sleep
What has happened to vaccine-preventable diseases as immunization rates have improved?
They have declined
Are many preschoolers fully protected from vaccine-preventable diseases?
No, many are not fully protected
What are the two principles that guide normal physical growth and sensory and motor development?
Cephalocaudal and proximodistal principles
During which year of life does a child’s body grow most dramatically?
1st year of life
What health advantages does breastfeeding offer?
Health advantages and sensory and cognitive benefits
For how long should breastfeeding be done exclusively if possible?
At least the first 6 months
What system controls sensorimotor activity?
Central nervous system
What does lateralization enable in the brain?
Each hemisphere to specialize in different functions
When does the brain grow most rapidly?
Months before and immediately after birth
What processes occur as neurons migrate to their assigned locations?
Form synaptic connections, undergo integration and differentiation
What improvements enhance the efficiency of the nervous system?
Cell death and myelination
What are reflex behaviors indications of?
Neurological status
What happens to most early reflexes during the 1st year?
They drop out as voluntary, cortical control develops
How can environmental experience influence brain development?
Positively or negatively
When do sensory capacities develop in infants?
Rapidly in the first months of life
What is the first sense to develop and mature?
Touch
Are newborns sensitive to pain?
Yes
Which senses begin to develop in the womb?
Smell, taste, and hearing
What is the least well-developed sense at birth?
Vision
What visual abilities develop within the first few months?
Peripheral vision, color perception, acuteness of focus, binocular vision, ability to follow a moving object
What is the sequence in which motor skills develop?
Motor skills develop in a certain sequence that may depend largely on maturation, context, experience, and motivation.
How do simple motor skills progress?
Simple skills combine into increasingly complex systems.
What is the impact of self-locomotion on development?
Self-locomotion brings about changes in all domains of development.
How is perception related to motor development?
Perception is intimately related to motor development.
When do depth perception and haptic perception develop?
Depth perception and haptic perception develop in the first half of the 1st year.
What does Gibson’s ecological theory state about sensory perception and motor activity?
According to Gibson’s ecological theory, sensory perception and motor activity are coordinated from birth.
What does Thelen’s dynamic systems theory suggest about motor skill development?
Thelen’s dynamic systems theory holds that infants develop motor skills through active coordination of multiple systems of action within a changing environment.
Fill in the blank: Cultural practices may influence the pace of early _______.
motor development
