module 12 Flashcards
newborn transition to extrauterine life
respiratory gas exchange
circulatory modifications
changes in organ system
first period of reactivity
lasts up to 30 mins after birth
the newborns HR increases from 160-180 bpm
decreases after 30 mins to baseline
infant is alert and has spontaneous startles, crying and head movement
period of decreased responsiveness
lasts 60-100 minutes
infant is pink
respiration are rapid and shallow up to 60 breaths per minute
sleeps or has a marked decrease in motor activity
second period of reactivity
lasts from 10 minutes to several hours occurs between 2 and 8 hours after birth tachycardia, tachypnea occur meconium is passed increased muscle tone, changes in skin color and mucus production
challenges in the transition to extrauterine life
system wide changes
neutral thermal environment
prevention of cold stress
problems with bilirubin conjugation and jaundice
the cardiovascular system
- switch from fetal to newborn circulation
- physical forces leading to increased release of catecholamines are critical for the transition
- changes in fetal structures: foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus, ductus venous and umbilical arteries, and vein
- heart rate
- blood volume depends on the amount of blood transferred from the placenta and is affected bu time of cord clamping
- blood components: red blood cells with greater affinity for oxygen at a lower oxygen than adult RBCs
fetal circulation
placenta: provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and eliminates waste
three shunts allow the circulation to bypass fetal lungs and liver.
-foramen ovale: moves blood from R atrium to L atrium
-ductus arteriosus: moves blood from the pulmonary artery to the aorta
-deuctus venosus: moves blood from the L umbilical vein into the inferior vena caba
conversion from fetal to neonatal circulation
umbilical cord clamped-> fetal circ interrupted and first breaths taken–> pressure changes in the body
- there is a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance which increase pulmonary blood flow, increase left atrium pressure and decreases right atrium pressure (closing foramen ovale)
- increased systemic vascular resistance: decreases vena cava return, decreases umbilical vein blood flow(ductus venosus closes), increase in aortic pressure (ductus arteriosus closes)
summary of fetal to neonatal circulation
- clamping the umbilical cord at birth eliminates the placenta as a reservoir for blood
- the onset of respirations causes a rise in PO2 in the lungs and a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance
- this increases pulmonary blood flow and increases the pressure in the left atrium
- decreased pressure in the right atrium causes the closure of the foramen ovale
- with an increase in oxygen level after the first breath, an increase in systemic vascular resistance occurs
- this decreases vena cava return which reduces bf to the umbilical vein
- closure of the ductus venosus causes an increase in pressure in the aorta which forces the closure of ductus arteriosus within 10 to 15 hours after birth
respiratory system
initiation of respirations: adjusting from a fluid-filled intrauterine environment to a gaseous extrauterine environment
- surfactant: surface tension reducing lipoprotein that prevents alveolar collapse. production begins at 24 wks. sufficient amounts by 35 wks
- respirations: 30-60 breaths per minute; irregular, hallow, unlabored with short periods of apnea; symmetrical chest movements
- expansion of the lungs and establishment of the functional residual capacity
respiratory system with c section
a neonate born by c section does not have the same benefit of the birth canal squeeze as does the newborn born by vaginal delivery. closely observe the respirations of the newborn after cesarean delivery. crackles or ronchi are seen with c- section
intrapulmonary fluid
decreased secretion as infant approaches term
absorption increases during labor and delivery to a few hours after birth
decreased intrapulmonary fluid: reduces pulmonary resistance to blood flow and facilitates initiation of air exchange
production and release of surfactant
usually sufficient secretion at 34-36 weeks gestation
-RDS may occur in infants with immature lungs
-betamethasone if preterm birth is expected
ling expansion after birth stimulates surfactant release
surfactant decreases surface tension within alveoli
-allows alveolar re-expansion after exhalation
the first breath internal stimuli
chemical factors: hypercarbia, acidosis, and hypoxia
the stress of labor= hypoxia
hypoxia= low PaO2 and low pH
increased PaCO2= prompts initiation of breathing
the first breath external stimuli
sensory factors: sensory overload- touch, sound and light
thermal factors: temperature changes: warm to cool
mechanical factors: removal of fluid from lings and replacement with air
conduction
transfer of heat from the object to object when the two objects are in direct contact with each other
convection
loss of heat from warm body surface to cooler air current (keep away from air vents)
evaporation
loss of heat when water is converted into vapor insensible water loss (dry the baby)
radiation
loss of body heat to cooler, solid surfaces in close proximity but not in direct contact (windows away)
thermoregulation
the balance between heat loss and heat protection
heat production: primarily through nonshivering thermogenesis
heat loss via four mechanisms leading to cold stress
-the need for a neutral thermal environment: a high temp or a low temp increases oxygen consumption and increases metabolic demands
overheating: large body surface area, limited insulation, and limited sweating ability
newborn risk factors for cold stress
think skin; blood vessels close to the surface
lack of shivering ability; limited stores of metabolic substrates
limited use of voluntary muscle activity
large body surface area relative to body weight
lack of subq fat
cannot adjust own blanket or clothing for warmth
cannot communicate they are too cold or too warm
what mechanisms does the newborn have to maintain temperature
increase respirations
increase metabolism of brown fat
pulmonary and peripheral vasoconstriction
what are the consequences of cold stress
metabolic acidosis
nursing interventions to prevent cold stress of the neonate
dry immediately after birth
place infant skin to skin with mom
cover with a blanket and hat
assess the newborn’s temperature every hour until stable
observe for clinical signs of cold stress such as respiratory distress, central cyanosis, hypoglycemia, lethargy, weak cry, abdominal distension, apnea, bradycardia, and acidosis