Exam #2 Newborn Flashcards
Tonic neck reflex
newborn is supine and the head is turned to one side. In response, the extremities on the same side straighten, whereas on the opposite side they flex
Moro reflex
newborn is startled by a loud noise or lifted slightly above the crib and then suddenly lowered In response, the newborn straightens arms and hands outward while the knees flex. Slowly the arms return to the chest, as in an embrace. The fingers spread, forming a C, and the newborn may cry.
Suckling reflex
Elicited when an object is placed in the newborn’s mouth or anything touches the lips. Newborns suck even while sleeping; this is called non-nutritive sucking, and it can have a quieting effect on the baby.
Palmar grasping reflex
Elicited by stimulating the newborn’s palm with a finger or object; the newborn grasps and holds the object or finger firmly enough to be lifted momentarily from the crib.
Rooting reflex
Elicited when the side of the newborn’s mouth or cheek is touched. In response, the newborn turns toward that side and opens the lips to suck (if not fed recently).
Stepping reflex
When held upright with one foot touching a flat surface, the newborn puts one foot in front of the other and “walks.”
In the newborn, bilirubin levels due to physiological jaundice peak in
3-5 days
Bilirubin levels in the newborn due to physiologic jaundice should not exceed
13-15 mg/dL
Physiologic jaundice is caused by
Accelerated destruction of fetal RBC
Breast milk jaundice occurs when? What causes it?
1 week after birth
Related to composition of breast milk
Breast milk jaundice peaks at
2-3 weeks with a bili of 5-10mg/dL
Breastfeeding jaundice occurs when and peaks when?
Occurs 24 hrs after birth, peaks at day 3 or 4
Breastfeeding jaundice is related to
inadequate fluid intake; self-limiting
Rx for breastfeeding jaundice
encourage more frequent feeding
choanal atresia signs and cause
signs: Newborn cyanotic at rest and pink only with crying
cause: congenital blockage of the passageway between the nose and pharynx
Crying that increases cyanosis may be a sign of
heart or lung issues
A newborn that is very pale may have
anemia
Acrocyanosis
discoloration of the hands and feet. The face and mucous membranes should be assessed for pinkness reflecting adequate oxygenation
Mottling
Lacy pattern of dilated blood vessels under the skin.
May be related to chilling, prolonged apnea, sepsis or hypothyroidism
Harlequin sign
A deep color developing over one side of the body while the other side remains pale. Comes from the immaturity of the hypothalamic center and results in vasomotor disturbance in which blood vessels on one side dilate while the vessels on the other side constrict. Usually clinically insignificant =>nurse should document findings
Jaundice
Yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. May be related to immature liver function, hematomas, poor feeding, blood incompatibility, oxytocin, augmentation or induction, or severe hemolysis.
Erythema toxicum
an eruption of lesions in the area surrounding hair follicles that are firm, vary in size (1mm-3mm) and consist of a white or pale yellow papule or pustule with an erythematous base. No treatment necessary.
Milia
exposed sebaceous glands, appear as raised white spots on the face (especially across the nose). No treatment is necessary
Skin turgor
Assess to determine hydration status; usual places to assess: over the abdomen, forearm or thigh. Skin should be elastic and should return rapidly to its original shape.
