Neonatal Care

Question 1

What are the 4 principles of neonatal care?

Answer 1

1. Pink
2. Warm
3. Sweet
4. Calm

Question 2

Why is thermoregulation different between neonates and children?

Answer 2

Neonates have a larger surface area to body mass ratio, limited ability to shiver/increase muscles activity and only a thin layer of sub cut fat

Question 3

What is the purpose of brown fat?

Answer 3

It contains thermogenin, the key enzyme regulating non-shivering thermogenesis. The SNS initiated by the hypothalamus to release norepinephrine at the sites of brown fat. They cannot be regenerated once depleted

Question 4

What are the 4 ways neonates lose heat?

Answer 4

1. Conduction-direct contact eg stethoscope
2. Convection-surrounding air
3. Evaporation-conversion liquid to vapor eg bathing
4. Radiation-cooler solid object

Question 5

When does fetal glycogen synthesis begin?

Answer 5

9th week gestation. Majority in 3rd trimester

Question 6

Why is insulin important for neonates?

Answer 6

It is a major stimulus for growth

Question 7

How many hours of sleep does a neonate need?

Answer 7

16-18 hours for optimal growth and development. If unwell they need more

Question 8

What is the ‘stress response’ and what can it lead to?

Answer 8

Agitation-hypoxia-hypercabia-acidosis, this can result in metabolic and hormonal changes and can lead to an inhibition of appropriate neurodevelopment