Neonatal Assessment Flashcards
What is one major difference in the airway between neonates and adults?
The narrowest part of a neonate’s airway is the cricoid cartilage and the narrowest part of an adult’s airway is the thyroid cartilage so a neonates airway is funnel shaped
Where is tracheal bifurcation in neonates versus adults and why is this relevant?
T3 in neonates and T5 in adults. Important when looking for ETT placement on CXR
What is the main muscle of neonatal respiration?
The diaphragm, not the intercostals like in adults
Why is resting RR higher in kids than adults?
Diaphragm sits higher so it is more efficient at normal pressures. It is not as much work to breath because they lack the ability to open ribs up and out
What is vernix and why do babies have it?
A substance that covers the fetus to protect the skin because amniotic fluid can be acidic. Appears at ~20 weeks and disappears by 41-42 weeks
What differences in skin might you see in preterm, term, and post-term infants?
Preterm- thin and transparent
Term- looks like adult skin
Post-term- cracks and wrinkles
What is lanugo?
Fine hair covering the fetal body. Appears at 26 weeks and usually disappears by 40
How can sole creases help us determine GA?
More creases = greater gestational age
What is prune belly syndrome?
A congenital defect that causes a lack of abdominal musculature
What are newborn reflexes we can expect to see?
Rooting, grasp, and Moro reflex (baby arches back and extends arms and legs when held on back to help them cling to mom)
