meconium aspiration Flashcards
1
Q
presentation
A
obvious presence of dark green staining if amniotic fluid green/blue stained skin at birth baby appear limp with low Apgar score breathing rapid, laboured or absent signs of postmaturity eg peeling skin bradycardia
2
Q
Apgar score
A
measure of physical condition of the newborn heart rate resp effort muscle tone response to stimulation skin colouration ten = best possible condition
3
Q
meconium aspiration syndrome MAS
A
occurs when neonates inhale meconium
usually secondary to fetal hypoxia, which causes increased peristalsis, relaxation of the anal sphincters and reflex gasping
meconium stained fluid may be aspirated before or during labour and delivery (no meconium in <34 weeks gestation)
causes an inflammatory response and a corresponding decrease in lung function
typically resolves within the first 6hrs