High risk newborn

Question 1

What is a high risk newborn?

Answer 1

It is a newborn who has a higher likelihood of developing illness within the first 28 days of life, considering birth weight and gestational age.

Question 2

Neonatal risk factors

Answer 2

1. Preterm/post-term newborn
2. Large/small for gestational age
3. Congenital sepsis
4. Congenital anomalies

Question 3

List the early complications associated with prematurity

Answer 3

• Hypothermia
• Respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, bradycardia
• Feeding intolerance, necrotizing enterocolitis, growth disorders
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Infections
• Intraventricular hemorrhages, intracerebral hemorrhages, periventricular leukomalacia
• Hyperbilirubinemia

Question 4

Describe small for gestational age newborn

Answer 4

A newborn whose weight is below the 10th percentile according to gestational age

Question 5

Describe large for gestational age newborn

Answer 5

A newborn whose weight is above the 90th percentile according to gestational age

Question 6

Principles of stabilizing a sick newborn

Answer 6

1. Ensure Airway Patency and Administer Respiratory Therapy as Indicated.
2. Stabilize Circulation
3. Correct Hypoglycemia (if needed)
4. Administer Medications as Indicated (eg. suspected infection -> antibiotics)
5. Ensure a Warm and Dry Environment

Question 7

What is the main goal of transporting a sick newborn?

Answer 7

Ensure that the sick newborn arrives at the receiving hospital in a stable condition.

Question 8

What is an early-onset neonatal sepsis?

Answer 8

When clinical and/or laboratory signs of sepsis appear within 72 hours after birth

Question 9

What is a late-onset neonatal sepsis?

Answer 9

When clinical and/or laboratory signs of sepsis appear later than 72 hours after birth

Question 10

When is a high-risk newborn ready to leave the hospital?

Answer 10

When the newborn meets the following criteria:
- Stable hemodynamics
- Ability to maintain normal body temperature while in the crib
- Full enteral feeding
- Parents are ready to care for the baby
- No apnea in preterm infants (for at least 5 days without caffeine treatment)
- No need for medications (except for vitamins and supplements)
- Routine vaccinations have been administered