Module 07: Care of the Newborn Child Flashcards
What pattern does growth and development follow?
(A) It follows a definite and predictable pattern of trends.
(B) All aspects are interrelated.
(C) There are periods of accelerated and decelerated growth rates.
Do all children develop in exactly the same way?
No, while children resemble one another, each child is unique.
What is considered the universal language of children?
PLAY
This is characterized to be the most sensitive indicator of development.
BEHAVIOR
What are the two periods within the infancy stage?
(A) Neonatal (0 to 28 days)
(B) Infancy (29 days to 1 year)
What age group does toddlerhood refer to?
Children aged 1 to 3 years old.
What age range defines preschool stage?
From 3 to 5 years old.
What age range defines school age stage?
From 6 to 12 years old
What age does adolescence occur?
Adolescence occurs between 12 to 18 years of age.
Under respiratory system, what are the stimuli that help initiate respiration among newborns?
(A) Chemical: Low oxygen and high CO2 levels.
(B) Thermal: Sudden drop in environment temperature.
(C) Tactile: Rubbing of the back and soles of the feet.
This involves rubbing the back and soles of the feet, especially during the first 24 hours.
Tactile Stimulation
Why is it important to monitor the newborn’s oxygen and CO2 levels?
To ensure proper respiratory function and oxygenation
Why are a bonnet and blanket used during birth?
To prevent heat loss (hypothermia) due to the sudden drop in environmental temperature (EINC).
Under cardiovascular system, why must the newborn’s lungs expand after birth?
To take over the blood oxygenation function from the placenta.
What happens to the newborn’s peripheral circulation in the first 24 hours?
Peripheral circulation remains sluggish during the first 24 hours after birth.
What is the normal blood volume of a newborn?
80 to 110 ml/kg
What is the normal hemoglobin (Hgb) level for a newborn?
17 to 18 g/100 mL of blood.
What is the normal hematocrit (Hct) range for a newborn?
45% to 50%.
How many red blood cells (RBCs) does a newborn typically have?
6 million cells/mm³.
What is the typical white blood cell (WBC) count in a newborn?
15,000 to 30,000 cells/mm³.
Under the gastrointestinal system, why is vitamin K synthesis absent in newborns at birth?
Because the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is sterile at birth, and the necessary bacteria for Vitamin K synthesis are absent.
What is a key characteristic of liver function in newborns?
The liver is immature at birth.
How much milk can a newborn’s stomach hold?
About 60 to 90 ml of milk.
Why do newborns have a higher risk of regurgitation?
Due to the immaturity of the cardiac sphincter between the stomach and esophagus.
What digestive enzymes are deficient in newborns?
Pancreatic enzymes such as lipase and amylase.
This is known as the first stool passed after birth.
Meconium is usually passed within the first 24 hours of life.
What is transitional stool, and when is it passed?
Transitional stool is greenish and is passed on the 2nd to 3rd day of life.
How often does a breastfed baby typically pass stool?
A breastfed baby typically passes stool 3-4 times a day.
How often does a formula-fed baby pass stool?
A formula-fed baby usually passes stool 2-3 times a day.
What is the characteristic odor of breastfed baby stools?
Sweet-smelling due to the high lactic acid found in breast milk.
How does the odor of formula-fed baby stools differ?
Formula-fed baby stools tend to have a more offensive odor.
What is the consistency of breastfed baby stools?
Breastfed baby stools have a pasty consistency.
What is the consistency of formula-fed baby stools?
Formula-fed baby stools have a firmer consistency.
What color are breastfed baby stools?
Yellowish to golden.
What color are formula-fed baby stools?
Pale yellow.
When should a newborn void for the first time?
A newborn should void within the first 24 hours after birth. However, they cannot concentrate urine well due to the immaturity of their kidneys.
What is the daily urine output for a newborn in the first 1 to 2 days?
30 to 60 ml daily.
How much urine should a newborn produce by the end of week one?
Total urine volume rises to about 300 ml per day by week one (Male babies should void with enough force to produce a small projected arc.)
How do female newborns typically void?
Female babies produce a steady stream of urine, not just dribbling.
What should be assessed regarding the testes and the urinary meatus of male newborns?
(A) Both testes should be present in the scrotum.
(B) The urinary meatus should be located at the tip of the penis.
What is a common characteristic of female genitalia in newborns?
Female newborns may have a swollen vulva.
What secretion might some female newborns have?
Some may have blood-tinged vaginal mucus secretion.
Why are newborns prone to infections up to 2 months of age?
Because they have difficulty forming antibodies during invading antigens. That is why some immunizations are not given to infants less than 2 months.
What type of antibodies does a newborn receive from the mother?
IgG antibodies, which cross the placenta and provide passive immunity.
This sense is well developed at birth, with the most sensitive areas being the lips, the hands, and the soles of the feet.
Sense of Touch
What effect does gentle touch have on a newborn?
Gentle patting and soothing touch can relax the newborn.
Describe the sense of hearing of the newborn.
(A) Calms down in response to soothing voice.
(B) Newborns startle when they hear loud noises.
Can a newborn recognize their mother’s voice?
Yes, newborns can recognize their mother’s voice almost immediately after birth because they can hear even before birth.
How does a newborn respond to the smell of their mother’s milk?
A newborn recognizes the smell of their mother’s milk and turns toward the mother’s breast.
Describe the sense of vision of the newborn.
(A) A newborn can see as soon as they are born.
(B) They blink and follow strong light.
What type of objects do newborns focus best on?
Newborns focus best on black and white objects at a distance of 9-12 inches.
How does a newborn react to different tastes?
Newborns turn away from bitter tastes and accept the sweet taste of milk.
Under the neuromuscular system. this protects the eyes by causing rapid eyelid closure when an object comes near.
Blink reflex (serves the same purpose as an adult)
Blink reflex is elicited by what?
A shining strong light, such as flashlight into the eye.
Under the neuromuscular system, this helps the newborn find food by turning towards the breast when their cheek is brushed.
Rooting Reflex
When does the rooting reflex disappear?
It disappears at about 6 weeks of life when the baby can focus their eyes steadily.
Under the neuromuscular system, this helps the newborn find food by making a sucking motion when the lips are touched.
Sucking Reflex
When does the sucking reflex begin to diminish?
It begins to diminish at 6 months of age.
Under the neuromuscular system, this reflex prevents swallowing inedible substances by pushing them out when placed on the anterior part of the tongue.
Extrusion Reflex
When does the extrusion reflex disappear?
It fades at around 4 months of age (Hence, parents should be made aware to prevent them from offering solid food before the reflex fades, which could happen early).
Under the neuromuscular system, this reflex is elicited when held in a vertical position with their feet touching a hard solid ground, newborns will take a few quick and alternating steps.
Step-in-Place Reflex
When does the step-in-place reflex disappear?
This reflex disappears by 3 months of age.
How is the placing reflex demonstrated by a newborn?
The newborn makes a few quick lifting leg motions, as if to step onto a table.
Under the neuromuscular system, this reflex is elicited when the newborn grasps the object quickly by closing their fingers around it.
Palmar Grasp Reflex
When does the palmar grasp reflex disappear?
It fades between 6 weeks and 3 months of age, after which the baby begins to grasp objects meaningfully.
Under the neuromuscular system, this reflex occurs when an object touches the sole of a newborn’s foot at the base of the toes, and the toes grasp in the same manner as the fingers.
Plantar Grasp Reflex
When does the plantar grasp reflex disappear?
It disappears usually at 8 to 9 months of age, thus preparing the child for walking.
Under the neuromuscular system, this reflex occurs when the newborn’s head is turned to one side, the arm and the leg on that side extend, while the opposite arm and leg contract.
Tonic Neck Reflex or Fencing Reflex
Where is the Tonic Neck Reflex or Fencing Reflex mainly evident?
It is mainly evident on the arms.
What happens if the newborn’s head is turned to the opposite side?
The newborn may change the extension and contractions of their arms and legs accordingly.
When does the Tonic Neck Reflex or Fencing Reflex disappear?
It disappears usually in the second and third month of life.
Under the neuromuscular system, this reflex is elicited by using a loud noise or by jarring the bassinet.
Moro Reflex or Startle Reflex
How is the Moro Reflex or Startle Reflex elicited?
The most accurate method is holding the newborn in a supine position and allowing the head to drop backward about 1 inch.
What is the Moro reflex’s response in a newborn?
The reflex involves the newborn spreading out their arms as if trying to ward off an attacker and then covering up to protect the body.