Chapter 5 Flashcards
Describe the sleep patterns of infants.
Infants experience an average of 6 waking/sleeping cycles per 24 hours, consisting of 4.5 hours of sleep followed by 1 hour of wakefulness. They begin sleeping through the night around 6-12 months of age.
What are the stages of sleep?
The stages of sleep include Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, and REM sleep (where brain activity resembles that of being awake).
What is the function of crying in infants?
Crying is a basic signal for infants to express discomfort or to gain attention. Different types of cries can signify hunger, anger, or chronic distress.
Describe colic in infants.
Colic is characterized by irritable, inconsolable crying and screaming, with symptoms such as clenched fists, drawn-up legs, and a red face. It presents at weeks 2-3 and peaks at 5-8 weeks, lasting about 3 hours per day.
What are some potential causes of colic?
Potential causes of colic include gut hormone/microflora issues, allergies, family tension/parental anxiety, maternal age/first-born status, and an immature gut and nervous system.
What are some methods to soothe a crying infant?
Soothing methods include using a pacifier for sucking, feeding, changing, rocking, and interacting with the caregiver.
Describe brain growth in infants.
Neuron proliferation occurs in weeks 10-16, with neuron and neuroglial cell formation in the neural tube. Neurogenesis is essential for development, with more stimulation resulting in more connections.
What is synaptogenesis?
Synaptogenesis is the formation of synapses in the nervous system. A better diet leads to more myelination, supporting the development of the nervous system.
How does the nervous system mature in infants?
The PNS forms with the development of the neural plate, which becomes the neural tube. Neurons grow throughout life, forming synapses quickly as neonates and then pruning begins.
Describe the different reflexes in infants.
Babinski reflex: Toes fan out when foot is stroked heel to toe. Palmer reflex: Grasp objects placed in palm of hand. Rooting reflex: Turning head towards cheek stroking, opening mouth. Sucking reflex: Sucks when objects are placed in the mouth. Stepping reflex: Rhythmically steps when assisted to walk.
What sensory and perceptual abilities do infants possess?
Infants have functional olfactory and gustatory senses as fetuses, somatosensation as neonates, and functional auditory systems by late gestation. However, their vision is initially poor and improves within the first year.
What is postpartum depression, and how does it impact mothers?
Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of mothers and involves low self-worth, disturbed sleep, poor appetite, and apathy. It can increase the risk of depression and behavioral issues in children of depressed mothers.
What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
SIDS is the most common cause of postnatal deaths and has an unknown cause. Correlational data links SIDS to smoking, overheating, underweight/premature infants, and other factors.
