Characteristics Of A Well Neonate Flashcards
What are the two general appearances of a newborn?
- Well perfumed skin
- Good muscle tone
What does well perfumed skin mean?
Head and torso should be well perfused - acrocyanosis (blue tinge of hands and feet) is very common.
What should you remember when checking a newborn has well perfumed skin?
Remember… different ethnicities display different skin tone colours. The full-term newborn baby from White ethnic groups will exhibit a generally pink, pale skin colour. The full-term newborn baby from Black or Asian ethnic groups will exhibit a purplish-blue skin colour.
What does a good muscle tone mean?
Baby should have a well-developed muscle tone -they should have the ability to exhibit firm and well-coordinated movements, indicating a healthy and robust neuromuscular system. The newborn should display active and vigorous movements and display alert behaviour.
What is the normal heart rate for a newborn?
110-160 bpm
What would be classed as bradycardia in a newborn?
<110bpm
What would be classed as tachycardia in a newborn?
> 160bpm
What is the normal RR for a newborn?
30-40 breaths per minute
What would be classed as tachypnoea in a newborn?
> 60 breaths min
What would be classed as bradypnoea in a newborn?
<30 breaths min
What is the normal temperature for a newborn?
36.5-37.5 degrees celcius
What is classed as hypothermia in a newborn?
<36.5 degrees celcius
What is classed as hyperthermia in a newborn?
> 37.5 degrees celcius
What should you check on a newborns head and face?
- Symmetrical head shape
- Fontanelles: soft and flat
- Well-defined facial features
- No obvious birth trauma
How should a newborns eyes look?
Eyes should be clear, bright, and alert. The pupils should also be equal in size and reactive to light
How should a newborns ears look?
Ears should be well formed, symmetrical and positioned centrally, not too low set
How should a newborns mouth and throat look?
Baby should suck and swallow effectively when latched on the breast or teat. The mouth should be intact
What is an APGAR?
The Apgar score is a quick way for health professionals to evaluate the health of all newborns at 1 and 5 minutes after birth and in response to resuscitation
What does APGAR stand for?
Activity (muscle tone)
Pulse
Grimace (reflex irritability)
Appearance (skin colour)
Respiration
What is classed as a normal apgar score?
Scores of seven and above are generally normal
What is classed as a fairly low apgar score?
Four - six
What is classed as a critically low apgar score?
Three and below are generally regarded as critically low and cause for immediate resuscitative efforts
