Module 7 - Newborn Assessment

Question 1

Apgar score is a standardized method of evaluating newborn’s condition immediately after delivery
•Score is obtained at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. What are the 5 objective signs measured?

Answer 1

o A- Activity (Muscle tone)
o P- Pulse
o G- Grimace (reflexes and irritability)
o A- Appearance (skin color)
o R- Respiration

Question 2

Describe the moro reflex

Answer 2

a response to a sudden loss of support/startling and involves spreading out the arms (abduction) pulling the arms in (adduction) crying (usually)

Question 3

Define Caput succedaneum

Answer 3

swelling of the soft tissues of the scalp

Question 4

Define Meconium

Answer 4

First stool, mixture of amniotic fluid and secretions of intestinal glands. It is dark greenish black, thick and sticky

Question 5

define Lanugo

Answer 5

fine, soft hair, especially that which covers the body and limbs of a human fetus or newborn

Question 6

Define Acrocyanosis

Answer 6

Peripheral blueness in the hand and feet result from poor circulation. Is normal and will resolve.
When assessing signs of adequate oxygenation, no not use the limbs

Question 7

what is the average temperature, HR and respirations of a newborn?

Answer 7

> Temperature - 36.2 – 37.7 degrees Celsius
Heart rate – Assessed apically; 110 bpm-160 bpm
Respirations - 30 -60 breaths per minute

Question 8

Normal head circumference is 32cm- 36cm. How do you measure?

Answer 8

Measure from the top of the eyebrow to the widest part of the occiput (just above eyebrows)

Question 9

what should the movement of a newborn be like

Answer 9

random and uncoordinated; prompt response to stimulation

Question 10

how do you Evaluate Intake of Infant

Answer 10

Letdown reflex occurs. A tingling sensation with milk dripping from nipple
 Infant nurses for 15 minutes per breast 8 to 10 times per day.
 An audible swallow is heard.
 Infant appears relaxed after feeding.
 Infant has six to eight wet diapers per day.
 Infant passes several stools per day.
 Breast feels soft after feeding.

Question 11

Newborn should have about ___ wet diapers per day

Answer 11

6

Question 12

How can you provide warmth to the newborn?

Answer 12

• Keep head covered
• prevent drafts
• do not place on cold surface, or by window
• Keep covered at all times (expose areas for diapering, etc)
• Keep dry

Question 13

Infants are born with ___, ____, ____, ____, and ____ reflexes

Answer 13

Infants are born with blinking, sneezing, gagging, sucking and grasping reflexes

Question 14

Describe vision ability of the newborn

Answer 14

• The eyes can fixate on points of contrast
• Preference is shown for human faces
• Follow moving objects

Question 15

Neonates sleep approximately 15-20hrs/day. Describe the 4 phases of sleep after delivery

Answer 15

o First reactive phase- newborn is alert for the first 30mins of life
o Sleep phase- newborn becomes sleepier and less responsive
o Second reactive phase- infant becomes alert and responsive again
o Stability phase- sleep/wake pattern becomes more stabilized

Question 16

What is the quality of respirations of the newborn?

Answer 16

Shallow and irregular

Question 17

Should both testicles be palpable in the scrotum?

Answer 17

Yes, the testes descend into the scrotum before birth

Question 18

Is cyanosis of the hands and feet in the first week of life normal?

Answer 18

Yes

Question 19

Describe Nursing care of a macrosomic infant

Answer 19

• Assess blood glucose levels for first 2 days of life

- Assess for signs of irritability, tremors, and respiratory distress syndrom